Israel voiced sharp opposition on Saturday to the composition of a Gaza panel under President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, overseeing post-war governance.
The Gaza Executive Board, announced Friday by the White House, notably includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and a Qatari official, stirring diplomatic tensions.
Trump declared himself chair of the Board of Peace, promoting a contested plan for economic reconstruction in Gaza, devastated by years of bombardment.
The board also includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the board’s announcement was made without coordination and contradicted Israel’s policy, calling for urgent talks with the US.
The Palestinian technocratic committee, tasked with Gaza governance under the board, held its first meeting Saturday in Cairo, attended by Kushner.
International participation is growing: Canada signalled acceptance, Turkey invited President Erdogan, and Egypt is reviewing a request for President al-Sisi to join.
Argentine President Javier Milei described participation as “an honor,” while Blair thanked Trump for the appointment, despite his controversial Iraq legacy.
The White House said the board would focus on governance, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, and mobilising large-scale funding in Gaza.
Other members include World Bank President Ajay Banga, financier Marc Rowan, and Trump aide Robert Gabriel from the National Security Council.
Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad criticised the board, claiming it “serves Israel’s interests and the occupation” rather than Palestinian welfare.
The Gaza plan’s second phase, Washington said, moves from ceasefire implementation toward disarming Hamas, responsible for the October 2023 attack on Israel.
Trump appointed US Major General Jasper Jeffers to lead the International Stabilization Force, providing security and training a police force to replace Hamas.
Jeffers previously oversaw ceasefire monitoring between Lebanon and Israel, amid ongoing strikes on Hezbollah targets in the region.
Gaza native Ali Shaath was named to head the governing committee, representing local administration under international oversight.
Trump has suggested transforming Gaza into a resort-style development, although he has denied plans to forcibly relocate residents, drawing mixed reactions.
The new initiative adds another layer of complexity to Middle East diplomacy, blending reconstruction, security, and international oversight under a politically charged framework.
