Israel Raises Concerns Over Trump’s Gaza 'Board of Peace'

Israel has formally objected to the line-up of a Gaza panel under U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, tasked with overseeing post-war reconstruction and governance in the Palestinian territory. The Gaza executive board includes high-profile international figures, prompting criticism from both Israel and Palestinian groups.

The board, announced by the White House on Friday, includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, a Qatari official, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, alongside top U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Israel said the board’s composition was not coordinated with it and contravenes its policy, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to instruct his Foreign Minister to raise the issue with the U.S. Secretary of State.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad also criticised the initiative, calling it “aligned with Israeli criteria and serving the interests of the occupation.” The group argued that the board’s structure fails to address Palestinian autonomy and prioritizes Israeli objectives in Gaza, which remains devastated after two years of heavy bombardment.

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Trump has declared himself chair of the Board of Peace, framing it as a vehicle for economic development, governance capacity-building, and reconstruction in Gaza. He also appointed U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers to head the International Stabilization Force, responsible for security and training a new Gaza police force to replace Hamas.

The White House said the board will tackle governance, regional relations, investment attraction, and capital mobilization. Participating nations include Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada, while World Bank President Ajay Banga and U.S. financier Marc Rowan also serve on the panel. Palestinian technocrats have already begun working under the board’s oversight in Cairo, signaling the start of operational activities.

The move has drawn mixed international responses, with some countries welcoming participation while others, including Israel and Palestinian factions, express concern over bias and the potential sidelining of local leadership. Analysts warn that navigating political sensitivities will be critical to the board’s effectiveness in rebuilding Gaza while maintaining regional stability.

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