Trump's Gaza Panel Raises Concerns with Anti-Israel Critics in Key Roles
The White House has unveiled a controversial international panel to oversee Gaza's postwar management, sparking concerns in Jerusalem over the prominent inclusion of vocal Israel critics Qatar and Turkey in key positions.
The Board of Peace's Executive Committee features Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and senior Qatari diplomat Ali Thawadi, alongside Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, UAE Minister Reem Al-Hashimy, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Strategic Concerns Over Anti-Israel Representation
The inclusion of Qatar and Turkey, two nations that have consistently criticized Israel's defensive operations in Gaza, demonstrates a troubling shift that may undermine Israel's security interests. While Trump reportedly values their ability to pressure Hamas into ceasefire agreements, this approach risks legitimizing actors who have historically supported terror organizations.
The Executive Committee will oversee the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), comprised of Palestinian technocrats tasked with providing basic services to Gaza residents. This structure operates under Trump's broader Board of Peace initiative, set to be unveiled in the coming days.
Israeli Representation and Security Framework
The committee includes US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump aide Jared Kushner, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, and Israeli-Cypriot businessman Yakir Gabay, providing some balance to the international composition.
Former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve as High Representative for Gaza, acting as the operational link between the Board of Peace and Palestinian administrators. The NCAG will be headed by former Palestinian Authority deputy planning minister Ali Shaath.
International Stabilization Force Challenges
Central Command Special Operations Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed to lead the International Stabilization Force (ISF), tasked with gradually replacing IDF security operations in Gaza. However, the US has struggled to secure troop commitments from international partners, with Azerbaijan recently withdrawing its participation.
US officials indicate they now have sufficient commitments for the ISF, with announcements expected within two weeks. The force's mandate has reportedly been scaled back to focus on border security and humanitarian aid delivery, rather than active Hamas disarmament operations.
Strategic Implications for Israel
The framework raises critical questions about Israel's long-term security interests in Gaza. While the plan aims to establish sustainable governance and reconstruction, the heavy involvement of historically hostile actors like Qatar and Turkey may compromise Israel's ability to ensure genuine demilitarization and prevent future terror threats.
The Board of Peace is scheduled to convene next week during the World Economic Forum in Davos, with confirmed participation from Egypt, Qatar, UAE, United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany alongside the United States.
As Israel continues to defend its citizens and eliminate terror infrastructure in Gaza, this international framework must prioritize genuine security guarantees and recognize Israel's fundamental right to self-defense against future threats from the Strip.