What's happened
As of January 2026, US President Donald Trump has established a 'Board of Peace' to oversee Gaza's transitional governance following a ceasefire. The board includes figures like Tony Blair, Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, with Trump as chair. A Palestinian technocratic committee led by Ali Shaath began governing Gaza, aiming to rebuild amid ongoing challenges.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Composition and Controversy
The Board of Peace, dominated by American and Western figures, notably includes former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose involvement is contentious due to his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump's choice reflects a blend of political, economic, and diplomatic expertise but risks alienating Palestinians and regional actors wary of perceived neo-colonial oversight.
Governance and Security Challenges
The Palestinian technocratic committee, led by Ali Shaath, is tasked with restoring public services and stabilizing Gaza. However, Israeli restrictions on aid and reconstruction materials, alongside ongoing ceasefire violations, complicate progress. The International Stabilization Force, commanded by US Major General Jasper Jeffers, faces recruitment challenges amid regional sensitivities and Hamas's reluctance to disarm.
Geopolitical Implications
Invitations to leaders from Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada signal an attempt to internationalize the peace effort, though Turkey's participation is contentious due to its critical stance on Israel. The board's formation amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises underscores the fragile nature of peace efforts.
Forecast
The Board of Peace will likely face significant hurdles in balancing international oversight with local legitimacy. Reconstruction and governance progress depend heavily on Israel easing restrictions and Hamas's cooperation. The initiative may reshape Gaza's political landscape but risks deepening divisions if perceived as externally imposed.
What the papers say
The New Arab's Mohammed al-Hajj Musa highlighted Palestinian Islamic Jihad's willingness to cooperate with the Gaza administration committee but expressed reservations about the Board of Peace serving Israeli interests. The New Arab also reported Hamas's commitment to handing over Gaza's administration to the technocratic committee led by Ali Shaath, emphasizing the need for full ceasefire implementation before disarmament.
Al Jazeera noted the controversial nature of Trump's chairmanship and Blair's involvement, with critics likening the board's oversight to colonial structures. It detailed the humanitarian toll since the ceasefire and the absence of Palestinian representation on the board.
The Times of Israel provided insight into Blair's perspective, quoting him as seeing the committee as "a massive step forward" offering hope for Gaza's future. It also detailed the board's composition and the challenges facing the International Stabilization Force.
The Independent and France 24 underscored the board's focus on governance, reconstruction, and economic development, while acknowledging the controversy surrounding Blair and the difficulties in troop contributions for the stabilization force.
Reuters emphasized the UN Security Council's authorization of the board and the stabilization force, noting ongoing ceasefire violations and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Together, these sources reveal a complex, multifaceted effort to stabilize Gaza under international supervision, fraught with political sensitivities, humanitarian challenges, and regional tensions.
How we got here
The Gaza Strip endured over two years of intense Israeli bombardment, culminating in a ceasefire in October 2025. Trump's 20-point plan aims to stabilize Gaza through a phased approach: ceasefire implementation, disarmament of Hamas, and reconstruction. The Board of Peace was created to supervise governance and reconstruction, while a Palestinian committee manages daily affairs.
Go deeper
- What is the role of Tony Blair on the Board of Peace?
- How is the Palestinian technocratic committee managing Gaza's governance?
- What challenges does the International Stabilization Force face in Gaza?
Common question
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Why Did Israel Ban NGOs in Gaza?
In January 2026, Israel revoked the licenses of 37 major NGOs operating in Gaza, citing security concerns and new registration rules. This move has sparked widespread concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis and the future of aid delivery in the region. Many wonder what prompted this ban, how it impacts aid efforts, and what the broader implications are for Gaza and international relations. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial decision.
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What is the US-led Gaza governance board?
The US has recently established a new governance board to oversee Gaza's post-conflict recovery. This move has sparked widespread discussion about its purpose, the key figures involved, and the potential impact on future peace efforts. Many are asking what this board is, who is behind it, and what it means for Gaza and the broader region. Below, we explore these questions and more to help you understand this complex development.
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What’s the Future of Gaza After the Humanitarian Crisis?
Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict, harsh winter storms, and complex political developments. Many wonder what’s next for the region—how aid efforts are progressing, what the international community is doing, and whether peace is possible. Below, we explore the key questions shaping Gaza’s future and what it means for civilians caught in the middle.
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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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