A new chapter in the pursuit of peace for Gaza unfolded as President Trump announced the formation of an international Board of Peace, an initiative stemming from his 20-point Gaza Peace Plan revealed last September.
The Board, with President Trump himself at the helm as chairman, is poised to oversee the governance of Gaza during a critical transitional period. Details regarding the full membership are expected to be released in the coming days, though the President confidently declared it “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.”
This announcement marks the launch of Phase Two of the broader peace initiative, spearheaded by Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The focus now shifts to rebuilding Gaza and establishing a functional Palestinian administration, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
Central to this phase is the complete demilitarization of Gaza, demanding the disarmament of all unauthorized groups and the dismantling of extensive tunnel networks. A clear message was delivered: full compliance, including the return of the final deceased hostage, is expected from Hamas, with warnings of “serious consequences” for any failure to cooperate.
Phase One of the plan achieved a historic ceasefire, the delivery of unprecedented levels of humanitarian aid, and the return of all living hostages, along with the remains of twenty-seven of twenty-eight previously held. The success of this initial stage was made possible through the crucial mediation efforts of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.
President Trump emphasized his commitment to supporting the newly appointed Palestinian technocratic government, envisioning a peaceful future for the region. He underscored the importance of a comprehensive demilitarization agreement, offering a stark choice to Hamas: cooperation or confrontation.
The overarching sentiment conveyed was a sense of urgency and a determination to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza. The time for decisive action, it was stated, is now, with a firm belief in achieving “Peace Through Strength.”
The unfolding events represent a significant step in a complex and long-standing conflict, signaling a renewed effort to bring lasting stability and prosperity to Gaza.
