Trump announces formation of ‘Peace Board’ for Gaza

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the establishment of a Gaza “board of peace,” describing it as a central element of the second phase of a US-backed plan aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory.

“It is my great honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that its members would be revealed “shortly.” He hailed it as “the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled.”

The announcement follows the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with overseeing Gaza’s day-to-day administration after the war. The committee will operate under the supervision of the board of peace, which Trump said he will chair.

Under the plan, an International Stabilisation Force is also to be deployed to help secure Gaza and train vetted Palestinian police units.

“The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee,” said Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, in a statement on Thursday.

The US-backed peace plan took effect on October 10, enabling the return of all hostages held by Hamas and halting active fighting between the group and Israel. Its second phase is now underway, though it remains overshadowed by allegations of aid shortages and continued violence.

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry claims Israeli forces have killed 451 people since the ceasefire formally began.

For Palestinians, a key unresolved issue is Israel’s full military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip—an element included in the plan’s framework but without a clear timetable. Hamas, meanwhile, has refused to publicly commit to full disarmament, a demand Israel has described as non-negotiable.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington expects Hamas to “fully comply with its obligations.” Trump shared the post on Thursday, adding that the transitional Palestinian leadership he supports is “unwaveringly committed to a peaceful future.”

“With the support of Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, we will secure a comprehensive demilitarisation agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of every tunnel,” Trump said.

Hamas is also preparing to hold internal elections to rebuild its leadership, which has been heavily weakened by Israeli strikes during the war. A Hamas leader told AFP that the vote is expected in the first months of 2026.