US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a Gaza “Board of Peace,” marking what he described as a critical second-phase step in a US-backed plan aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump said it was his “great honor” to confirm that the Board of Peace has officially been formed, adding that the names of its members would be revealed shortly. He described the body as the “greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled,” underscoring its intended global significance.
The announcement follows closely on the creation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, which is tasked with overseeing the daily administration of Gaza once the war subsides. This committee is expected to operate under the supervision of the newly formed Board of Peace, which Trump is anticipated to chair.
According to the plan, the next stage also includes deploying an International Stabilisation Force. This force would help maintain security in Gaza and train vetted Palestinian police units, with the goal of preventing renewed conflict and restoring basic governance structures.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, stated that responsibility now lies with international mediators, the US as a guarantor, and the wider global community to ensure the Palestinian committee is fully empowered to carry out its role.
The US-backed Gaza peace initiative came into effect on October 10, enabling the release of all hostages held by Hamas and leading to a cessation of major hostilities. While the second phase is now underway, several key issues remain unresolved.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that 451 people have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was announced, raising questions about the durability of the truce.
For Palestinians, the most pressing concern remains Israel’s complete military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Although this step is included in the peace framework, no clear timeline has been publicly outlined. At the same time, Hamas has not agreed to fully disarm, a condition Israel has made non-negotiable.
As diplomacy continues behind closed doors, the people of Gaza remain caught between promises of peace and the harsh realities on the ground. For many families, the hope is simple yet profound: that these announcements translate into real safety, dignity, and a future free from constant fear.
