Israel has expressed strong objections to the formation of a Gaza-focused panel under US President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace. The Gaza Executive Board, which is set to oversee post-war governance in the Palestinian territory, includes officials from Turkey and Qatar appointments Israel says were made without consultation.
The White House unveiled the panel on Friday, with members drawn from several countries including Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada. Trump himself will serve as chair, promoting a controversial plan for Gaza’s reconstruction following two years of intense Israeli airstrikes.
In addition to Trump, the Board of Peace features Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior advisors Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Most of these figures are also part of the Gaza Executive Board.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office criticized the announcement, calling it “inconsistent with Israel’s policy” and revealing that the Foreign Affairs Minister was instructed to raise the issue directly with the US Secretary of State.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian committee tasked with running Gaza under the Board of Peace began its first session in Cairo, attended by Kushner. Some invited countries have already responded positively: Canada said it will participate, Turkey confirmed it had been asked to join, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei called the invitation “an honor.”
Egypt is still reviewing the request for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s participation.
The appointment of Blair has stirred debate, given his controversial role in the 2003 Iraq invasion. He has, however, been involved in Middle East diplomacy for years, including as a representative of the UN, EU, US, and Russia “Middle East Quartet.”
The White House outlined that the board’s responsibilities will cover governance support, regional coordination, reconstruction, investment promotion, and mobilization of funds. Additional board members include World Bank President Ajay Banga, billionaire financier Marc Rowan, and US National Security Council official Robert Gabriel.
Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad condemned the board, asserting that it was designed to serve Israel’s interests.
In related developments, the US has moved the Gaza plan into a second phase: disarming Hamas and securing the territory. Trump named Major General Jasper Jeffers to lead the International Stabilization Force tasked with maintaining security and establishing a new police system. Gaza native Ali Shaath will head the local governing committee.
Trump has previously floated the idea of transforming Gaza into a luxury resort region, though he has ruled out forced relocation of its residents.
