The United States government on Wednesday announced the commencement of phase two of its plan for ending the Gaza war, establishing a series of panels intended to govern the Strip in place of Hamas.
Board of Peace
The Board of Peace is the primary body mandated by the UN Security Council to oversee the postwar management of Gaza until the end of 2027. The board is chaired by US President Donald Trump and will largely be comprised of heads of state from around the world. Formal invitations were sent out on Friday, with leaders from Turkey, Egypt, Canada, and Argentina confirming receipt by Saturday, indicating likely acceptance.
While considered the most prominent of the established panels, a senior Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel that the Board of Peace will play a more symbolic role, particularly during the fundraising stage. The Board of Peace mandate does not mention Gaza, suggesting a potential expansion of its role to resolving other global conflicts, according to earlier reports.
The first Board of Peace meeting is scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Gaza Executive Board
The Gaza Executive Board will serve as the operational arm of the Board of Peace, directly overseeing the postwar management of Gaza. Members include Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Thawadi, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, UAE Minister of International Cooperation Reem Al-Hashimy, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, Israeli-Cypriot businessman Yakir Gabay, former UN humanitarian coordinator Sigrid Kaag, and former UN envoy to the Mideast Nickolay Mladenov.
Mladenov has also been named high representative for Gaza and will act as the Executive Board’s liaison to the new Palestinian technocratic government.
Israel has expressed opposition to the inclusion of representatives from Turkey and Qatar on the Executive Board, citing their criticism of Israel’s conduct during the war in Gaza. However, their inclusion demonstrates their perceived utility to Trump, who has highlighted his relationships with the leaders of both countries and their role in securing a ceasefire deal in October.
Founding Executive Board
The Founding Executive Board shares many members with the Gaza Executive Board, and will oversee portfolios critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, including governance, regional relations, reconstruction, investment, funding, and capital mobilization. Members include Witkoff, Kushner, Blair, Rowan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and Trump’s former deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel.
Sources indicate that this committee will not play a critical role in decision-making, with reporting focusing more on the Gaza Executive Board. The White House has stated that additional members of both committees will be announced in the coming weeks.
National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is comprised of Palestinian technocrats tasked with running daily affairs and providing services in Gaza, replacing Hamas. The committee consists of 12 members, headed by former Palestinian Authority deputy planning minister Ali Shaath. Shaath has proposed expanding the Strip’s territory by depositing Gaza rubble into the Mediterranean Sea to address a severe housing crisis.
Committee members and their portfolios include Abdul Karim Ashour (agriculture), Aed Yaghi (health), Osama Sa’adawi (housing), Adnan Abu Warda (justice), Maj. Gen. Sami Nassman (internal security and police), Ali Barhoum (water and municipal affairs), Bashir al-Rais (finance), Hanaa Tarzi (social affairs), Jabr al-Daour (education), Omar Shamali (communications), and Ayed Abu Ramadan (economy and trade).
International Stabilization Force (ISF)
The International Stabilization Force is tasked with providing security for Gaza and gradually phasing out the Israel Defense Forces, which currently controls 53% of the enclave. While the US has stated the ISF will support efforts to disarm Hamas, officials indicate the force will not actively seize weapons unless an agreement is reached.
US officials believe Hamas will agree to a gradual disarmament process, starting with heavy weapons. However, it remains unclear whether Israel will accept an agreement differentiating between heavy and light weapons. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers has been appointed commander of the ISF.
The US is reportedly securing troop contributions from various countries, with an announcement expected in approximately two weeks. Officials suggest the ISF’s mandate may be limited to securing borders and facilitating humanitarian aid, with local Palestinian police forces playing a primary role in maintaining security.
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