Gaza Peace Board Formed: A New Era of Governance Under Trump’s Phase Two Plan
Cairo-Egypt, 18 January 2026
On this Sunday, 18 January 2026, the global geopolitical landscape has shifted with the official launch of the “Board of Peace” (BoP) for Gaza.
US President Donald Trump, acting as the inaugural chairman, has unveiled a high-powered council designed to oversee the post-war reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip.
This development marks the formal commencement of “Phase Two” of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, a 20-point roadmap that has received endorsement from the UN Security Council.
The board’s formation signals a transition from active military conflict to a technocratic administration and international stabilization.
The Composition of the Global Peace Leadership
The White House confirmed today that the Board of Peace will be chaired by President Trump himself, who described the group as the “most prestigious board ever assembled.” Founding members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, and Trump’s senior adviser Jared Kushner.
The Castle Journal exclusive department has learned that invitations were also extended to regional heavyweights, including Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The board is not merely advisory; it holds the mandate to authorize the International Stabilization Force (ISF) and manage billions in reconstruction funding.
Notably, the board requires a $1 billion “contribution” from nations seeking a permanent seat, a move that has sparked debate in diplomatic circles.
The Gaza Executive Board and Local Administration
To manage day-to-day operations, a subordinate body known as the Gaza Executive Board (GEB) has been established.
This committee includes prominent regional figures such as Egyptian Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Hassan Rashad, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, and UAE Minister Reem Al Hashimy.
On the ground, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a respected Palestinian technocrat.
Dr. Sha’ath officially signed the committee’s mission statement today, pledging to prioritize the restoration of water, electricity, and health services.
This layered governance structure aims to bypass political stalemates and provide a “blank slate” for Gazan civil society.
Israeli Friction and Far-Right Backlash
—Advertising—
Despite the international momentum, the plan has encountered significant resistance within Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement late Saturday claiming that the composition of the Gaza panels was “not coordinated with Israel.”
More aggressively, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have publicly rejected the US-backed framework.
Smotrich described the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar—nations critical of Israel—as “the original sin” and called for the immediate annexation of Gaza and the establishment of new settlements.
This internal Israeli rift poses the greatest immediate threat to the Board of Peace’s success, as the IDF is scheduled to continue its withdrawal under Phase Two.
A Roadmap for Sovereignty or Perpetual Oversight?
The “Castle Journal” exclusive department reports that the ultimate goal of the Board of Peace is a two-year transition period leading to the return of a “reformed Palestinian Authority.”
However, secretive reports suggest that some board members are pushing for a longer-term international trusteeship.
While Sir Tony Blair praised the move as giving “hope to people in Gaza for a different future,” critics argue the lack of direct Palestinian representation on the high-level Board of Peace undermines its legitimacy.
As the ISF prepares to deploy under the command of US Major General Jasper Jeffers, the world waits to see if this “business-model” peace can truly deliver lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Headline Summary:
Trump Chairs Board:
US President leads the new “Board of Peace” with Tony Blair and Jared Kushner.
$1 Billion Entry Fee:
Washington seeks massive financial commitments from permanent board members.
Israeli Opposition:
Far-right ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir reject the panel and call for Gaza annexation.
Technocratic Governance:
Dr. Ali Sha’ath begins work as head of the local administration in Gaza.
Regional Involvement:
Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and the UAE take key roles in the transition executive board.
