In brief
In a significant diplomatic development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a meeting with his top advisers following the U.S. announcement of Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, which notably excludes direct Israeli participation. The board, part of a larger plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict, includes international figures like Turkey's foreign minister and Jared Kushner. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza critically worsening, reactions within Israel highlight concerns over the board's legitimacy and participation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a meeting with his top advisers to discuss Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza, after it was revealed that the U.S. did not include Israel in discussions regarding its creation.
Netanyahu's office stated that the initiative was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy, following the announcement of the committee's Gaza Executive Board, which comprises figures such as the Turkish foreign minister, a Qatari official, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The Board of Peace is part of Trump's 20-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and is expected to oversee Gaza's governance and reconstruction efforts. However, its exact structure remains undeclared, and additional members are still being invited.
Two key bodies have been unveiled under the main Board of Peace: a founding Executive Board, focused on investment and diplomacy, and the Gaza Executive Board, overseeing on-the-ground operations of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
Currently, the only Israeli member on the Gaza Executive Board is Yakir Gabay, a businessman based in Cyprus. Notably, no Palestinians are included on either senior board.
Comments from Israeli officials highlight deep concerns. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir remarked on social media that the Gaza Strip does not need an academic committee to manage its recovery, asserting instead a need to eliminate Hamas terrorists. Opposition leader Yair Lapid referred to the announcement as a significant diplomatic failure for Israel. Meanwhile, officials from Turkey and Qatar, critical of Israel's military conduct in Gaza, are confirmed participants in the panel.
The overarching Board of Peace is slated to include leaders from various countries, with Donald Trump serving as chairman. Invitations have reportedly gone to political figures from the UK, Hungary, Argentina, Jordan, Turkey, India, and Egypt, although responses have varied. Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary has confirmed his acceptance of the role.
In connection with this initiative, discussions regarding financial contributions have emerged, with reports indicating that Trump seeks significant investment from participating nations.
As the political landscape evolves, the United Nations has cautioned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, estimating that approximately 80% of buildings have been destroyed or damaged, leading to severe struggles for civilians amid winter weather and insufficient aid.
