Many residents of the Gaza Strip view the Board of Peace, established by US President Donald Trump, with deep suspicion and anxiety. Gazans who were interviewed by Al-Monitor pointed to an absence of Palestinian representation within the body and said it would be unable to address the scars of Israel’s war, which remain visible throughout the enclave more than three months after a ceasefire was reached.

Board of Peace

Initially intended as a body to oversee Gaza’s postwar reconstruction and administration, the board is now promoted by Washington as a platform for broader conflict mediation. Trump described it at a signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, as “one of the most consequential bodies ever created,” adding, “Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do."

The board is chaired by Trump and includes representatives from 10 Middle Eastern countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Western European countries have largely declined to participate or have yet to respond to invitations, citing concerns over the board’s broad mandate and its potential to rival the UN.