Trump forms new board as Gaza ceasefire enters second phase

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a new international body, tagged the “Board of Peace,” to oversee governance and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire moves into its second phase.

The board is a key feature of Trump’s 20-point peace plan and is expected to supervise Gaza’s transition from Hamas control to a technocratic Palestinian administration.

Trump disclosed that he will personally chair the Board of Peace, alongside selected world leaders. Former United Nations Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov is expected to serve as liaison between the board and the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

While the full list of board members has not been made public, reports indicate that leaders from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany have agreed in principle to participate.

Announcing the development on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the body as “the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled.” He added that other members would be unveiled shortly.

The Trump administration plans to hold the first meeting of the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.

Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said the second phase of the agreement would focus on the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, including the disarmament of all non-authorised armed groups.

Although Hamas has agreed to relinquish governance to the technocratic committee, it has repeatedly resisted calls to surrender its weapons.

Witkoff warned that Hamas must fully comply with the agreement, including the immediate return of the remains of the final Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili.

“Failure to do so will bring serious consequences,” he said.

Trump echoed the warning, insisting Hamas must proceed without delay to disarm.

“The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW,” the U.S. president said.

The NCAG will consist of 15 Palestinian technocrats and will be headed by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. The committee is expected to manage Gaza’s civil affairs, including sanitation, education, infrastructure and humanitarian relief.

Other members include Ayed Abu Ramadan, head of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce; Omar Shamali, a telecommunications expert; and Sami Nasman, a retired Palestinian Authority security officer and vocal Hamas critic.

Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, have endorsed the committee, according to Egyptian and Palestinian sources.

Shaath said the committee’s immediate priority would be housing and emergency relief for displaced Gazans, many of whom are currently living in tents.