Washington: The White House has moved to operationalise key elements of President Donald J. Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the protracted conflict in Gaza by establishing a high-level international oversight body and laying the groundwork for post-conflict reconstruction and governance, according to U.S. and global media reports.
Under the emerging framework, Trump will chair a newly convened “Board of Peace”, comprising senior figures from the U.S. administration and global partners. Initial appointees include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, with others — including the World Bank president — expected to join. The board is designed to supervise Gaza’s transition from active conflict to stability, reconstruction and eventual return to civilian-led governance.
The initiative has been framed as a critical element of Phase Two, shifting focus from ceasefire achievement to rebuilding and governance oversight.
However, the composition of the board has sparked controversy. Critics note the absence of Palestinian representatives among the initial appointees, drawing sharp rebukes from some quarters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also publicly objected to certain elements of the mechanism and the inclusion of specific members — an unusual diplomatic rebuke of a U.S.-led peace strategy.
Regional and international reactions have been mixed. While some Arab and Muslim nations have expressed cautious support for elements of the plan as a pathway to lasting peace, others have voiced reservations about its balance and legitimacy. The United Nations Security Council has previously adopted a resolution welcoming the U.S.-led proposal and associated mechanisms, underscoring the international stakes in its implementation.
The comprehensive strategy itself calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities if both sides agree, negotiated withdrawal of Israeli forces, return of hostages within a defined time frame and reconstruction of Gaza under multilateral oversight. It also envisions a future Gaza that no longer poses a security threat while emphasising development and deradicalisation.
As the Board of Peace begins consultations with regional governments and international institutions, stakeholders will be watching how the plan navigates the twin challenges of security guarantees and political legitimacy — particularly the role of Palestinian voices in shaping their future.