Trump announces ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, calls it ‘greatest, most prestigious’ team

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump announced the formation of a Gaza “Board of Peace” on Thursday, describing it as a central element of the second phase of a US-backed plan aimed at ending the conflict in the Palestinian territory.

The announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social account, where he said the identities of the board members would be revealed at a later stage. Trump framed the initiative as a major step forward following earlier ceasefire efforts and renewed diplomatic engagement in the region.

Trump announces ‘Board of Peace’ on Truth Social

In his post, Trump wrote, “It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed. The Members of the Board will be announced shortly, but I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.”

The proposed board is part of Trump’s broader two-phase framework for Gaza, which US officials say is designed to move beyond temporary ceasefire arrangements toward longer-term governance and stability. Trump did not disclose specific details about the board’s mandate, but emphasized its global stature and importance.

According to the plan, daily governance in Gaza would be handled by a technocratic Palestinian Arab committee. This body would operate under the oversight of an interim executive authority, while the Board of Peace would provide strategic direction. Trump himself is expected to chair the board.

The group is anticipated to include between 10 and 15 figures drawn from Arab nations, Western countries, and other regions, according to Israel National News. No timeline has been given for when the full list of members will be made public.

Phase Two moves forward amid regional doubts

The announcement came a day after comments by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who said the United States would proceed with Phase Two of the Gaza peace plan despite unresolved issues. Witkoff’s remarks signaled continued US engagement even as Israel has expressed doubts about moving forward.

One of the unresolved issues involves the remains of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, which are still believed to be in Gaza. Under the terms of the earlier ceasefire phase, all hostages were to be returned, but Gvili’s body has not yet been recovered. Hamas has claimed it does not know the location of the remains.

As reported by the New York Post, a US official described the broader objective of the effort as creating an alternative governing structure in Gaza, saying the goal was “to create the alternative to Hamas that wants that peace and to figure out how to empower them.”

The first meeting of the Board of Peace is expected to take place on the sidelines of this week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, marking what the administration sees as the formal launch of Phase Two.