Trump Announces “Board of Peace for Gaza,” Sparks Controversy Amid Hostage Dispute
WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace for Gaza” on his Truth Social platform, a key component of his 20-point peace plan credited with facilitating the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last October. Trump described the board’s creation as a “Great Honor,” promising to reveal its members at a later date.
The initiative aims to establish an international transitional oversight body to supervise Gaza’s administration during the post-ceasefire reconstruction phase. The plan, as outlined by Trump’s team, envisions a Palestinian Arab committee handling day-to-day governance, overseen by an intermediate executive committee.
Trump will chair the “Board of Peace,” which is expected to comprise approximately 10-15 leaders from Arab nations, Western countries, and other global stakeholders. Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve as a senior representative on the ground in Gaza, according to sources familiar with the plan.
The announcement comes as Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, signaled a move to implement the second phase of the Gaza peace plan. However, this progression has ignited controversy, particularly from the Israeli government, as Hamas has yet to fully comply with the terms of the initial ceasefire agreement.
A critical sticking point remains the body of Ran Gvili, an Israeli hostage whose remains are still held in Gaza. While Phase One of the ceasefire stipulated the return of all hostages, Hamas claims it is unable to locate Gvili’s remains, despite Israel providing credible information regarding his burial site.
“Israel maintains its firm position: full compliance with Phase One obligations, including the return of Ran Gvili, is a prerequisite for advancing to Phase Two,” stated a spokesperson for the Israeli government.
The timing of Witkoff’s announcement has drawn criticism, with observers questioning the decision to proceed with the next phase while a key condition of the initial agreement remains unmet. The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing challenges in securing the release of all hostages.
The Trump administration’s 20-point plan, which led to the October ceasefire, seeks to establish a framework for long-term stability and reconstruction in Gaza. The “Board of Peace” is intended to provide international oversight and ensure a smooth transition during the rebuilding process.
The ongoing hostage dispute, however, casts a shadow over these efforts. According to data from the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, over 130 Israelis and foreign nationals were initially held hostage by Hamas during the October 7th attacks. While over 100 were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the fate of those still held – or their remains – remains a central concern for Israel and the international community.
The move to Phase Two, despite the unresolved hostage issue, raises questions about the priorities and potential effectiveness of the Trump plan. The international community will be closely watching to see how the “Board of Peace” navigates these complex challenges and whether it can deliver on its promise of a lasting peace for Gaza.
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