Sun Jan 18 04:59:18 UTC 2026: ### Trump’s “Board of Peace” Oversees Gaza Reconstruction Amidst Palestinian Skepticism

The Story:
A Palestinian committee, the National Committee for Gaza Management (NGAC), has released its mission statement detailing plans to oversee the future administration of Gaza, as part of a US-backed ceasefire plan championed by former US President Donald Trump. The NGAC, authorized under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, aims to restore core services and foster a society “rooted in peace.” However, the initiative faces widespread skepticism from Palestinians, particularly regarding the autonomy of the body and the composition of the “Board of Peace,” which is perceived as heavily pro-Israel with a lack of Palestinian representation.

Key Points:
* The NGAC seeks to rebuild Gaza, focusing on infrastructure and social well-being.
* The committee operates under the direction of Trump’s “Board of Peace.”
* The “Board of Peace” and “Gaza executive board” are perceived to lack Palestinian representation and have strong pro-Israel leanings.
* Ali Shaath, the general commissioner of the NGAC, emphasizes restoring essential services like electricity, water, healthcare, and education.
* Israel continues to impose restrictions on aid entering Gaza, despite the ceasefire agreement.
* Some Palestinians fear the NGAC’s technocratic focus may circumvent key political issues like the creation of a future Palestinian state.
* Since October 7, 2023, over 71,548 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza.
* Israel banned over three dozen international aid organizations from operating in Gaza in mid-December.

Key Takeaways:
* The reconstruction of Gaza is being spearheaded by a US-backed initiative with a pro-Israel bias, raising concerns about Palestinian self-determination.
* The ongoing restrictions on aid by Israel undermine the NGAC’s ability to effectively rebuild Gaza.
* The initiative risks bypassing critical political issues, potentially hindering long-term peace prospects.
* The high death toll among Palestinians since October 7, 2023, highlights the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
* Palestinian skepticism towards the NGAC is rooted in concerns about autonomy, representation, and the potential for the plan to serve external interests.

Impact Analysis:
The future success of the NGAC, and indeed any peace initiative in Gaza, hinges on addressing Palestinian concerns about autonomy and representation. The perception that the “Board of Peace” is stacked with pro-Israel figures erodes trust and increases the likelihood of failure. The long-term impact could include further entrenchment of conflict, increased instability in the region, and a deepening sense of disillusionment among Palestinians. Without addressing these concerns and ensuring a truly inclusive and equitable process, the NGAC risks becoming another failed attempt at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The bypassing of traditional international forums like the UN could undermine international law and set a dangerous precedent for resolving global conflicts.

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