Sun Jan 18 17:02:22 UTC 2026: # Trump Unveils Controversial Gaza Governance Plan, Faces Scrutiny for Excluding Palestinians

The Story:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a three-tiered governance structure for Gaza, dubbed the “Board of Peace,” designed to implement his 20-point plan for the region following the end of the Israeli-led war. The structure places a U.S.-led “Board of Peace” at the top, comprised of billionaires and figures closely aligned with Israel. Palestinians are relegated to the “National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG),” tasked with managing municipal duties, raising concerns about their lack of agency in shaping Gaza’s future. The plan has drawn criticism for resembling a “commercial trusteeship” and for prioritizing Israeli security interests.

Key Points:
* The governance structure consists of a US-led “Board of Peace” chaired by Donald Trump, a “Gaza Executive Board” for regional coordination, and the Palestinian “National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)” at the bottom.
* Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed the “High Representative for the Board of Peace.”
* Membership to the “Board of Peace” requires countries to contribute at least $1 billion to become permanent members.
* Controversial figures such as Aryeh Lightstone, associated with the “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,” and Josh Gruenbaum, linked to real estate development plans for Gaza, have been appointed as “strategic advisers.”
* The “International Stabilisation Force,” led by U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, is tasked with “permanent disarmament,” raising concerns about prioritizing Israeli security.
* Countries like Egypt, Turkiye, and Jordan, along with Argentina and Canada, have been invited to participate.
* Israeli officials, like Itamar Ben-Gvir, have criticized the plan, particularly the involvement of Turkiye, calling for a return to “full war.”

Critical Analysis:
The timing of this announcement is noteworthy. Given Trump’s previous foreign policy decisions, this plan appears consistent with his approach of prioritizing U.S. interests and leveraging economic incentives to achieve political objectives. The inclusion of figures associated with the Abraham Accords suggests an effort to build upon those normalization efforts. Inviting India to be part of Gaza’s “Board of Peace” may indicate a strategic alignment with a major global power beyond traditional allies.

Key Takeaways:
* The plan’s structure heavily favors U.S. and Israeli interests, raising questions about Palestinian self-determination.
* The financial requirements for membership highlight the plan’s reliance on international investment, potentially creating dependencies and conditions for aid.
* The involvement of controversial figures raises concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
* The disarmament mandate for the “International Stabilisation Force” could escalate tensions if implemented without a broader political settlement.
* The plan’s long-term success depends on addressing the fundamental issues of occupation and Palestinian governance, not just managing the humanitarian crisis.

Impact Analysis:

This plan has potentially far-reaching implications:

  • Geopolitical Realignment: The inclusion of Turkiye and Qatar, despite Israeli opposition, signifies potential shifts in regional alliances and power dynamics.
  • Palestinian Authority Marginalization: By sidelining the PA in top-tier governance, the plan could further weaken Palestinian political institutions and erode faith in existing leadership.
  • International Relations: The financial incentives for joining the “Board of Peace” could create a system of conditional aid, potentially straining relations with countries unwilling to meet the monetary requirements.
  • Security Implications: The disarmament mandate could lead to increased conflict if not implemented fairly and with a clear political roadmap, potentially destabilizing the region further.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: While the plan aims for reconstruction, its success hinges on addressing the underlying causes of the crisis and ensuring Palestinian autonomy in shaping their future. Failure to do so could perpetuate the cycle of violence and instability.

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