Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a meeting with his top advisers to discuss US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, after Israel said it was not included in talks about the makeup of one of the board's lower bodies. The US on Saturday named the first members of the Gaza Executive Board - including Turkey's foreign minister, a Qatari official, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Netanyahu's office has since stated that the appointments were 'not coordinated with Israel and run contrary to its policy.' The Board of Peace is designed to execute Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and is expected to oversee the administration of Gaza temporarily.
Details about the board's structure, which will also handle Gaza's reconstruction, remain murky, as further members are still being invited. While Yakir Gabay, an Israeli businessman, represents Israel on the Gaza Executive Board, there are currently no Palestinians involved in either governing body. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly denounced the board, insisting that Gaza needs more decisive action against Hamas.
The larger Board of Peace, which will be chaired by Trump, intends to include world leaders, and invitations have reportedly gone out to leaders from several nations, including Hungary, Turkey, and Argentina. However, responses from these countries have been tentative, with only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban affirming his participation thus far. Financial contributions are being sought from countries to fund their involvement.
Simultaneously, the United Nations has raised alarms about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the crisis is far from resolved. With around 80% of the infrastructure in ruins, surviving families are battling harsh winter conditions without adequate food and shelter. The Israeli government claims it is facilitating aid delivery but blames the UN for logistical failures in ensuring supplies reach those in need.
Netanyahu's office has since stated that the appointments were 'not coordinated with Israel and run contrary to its policy.' The Board of Peace is designed to execute Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and is expected to oversee the administration of Gaza temporarily.
Details about the board's structure, which will also handle Gaza's reconstruction, remain murky, as further members are still being invited. While Yakir Gabay, an Israeli businessman, represents Israel on the Gaza Executive Board, there are currently no Palestinians involved in either governing body. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly denounced the board, insisting that Gaza needs more decisive action against Hamas.
The larger Board of Peace, which will be chaired by Trump, intends to include world leaders, and invitations have reportedly gone out to leaders from several nations, including Hungary, Turkey, and Argentina. However, responses from these countries have been tentative, with only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban affirming his participation thus far. Financial contributions are being sought from countries to fund their involvement.
Simultaneously, the United Nations has raised alarms about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the crisis is far from resolved. With around 80% of the infrastructure in ruins, surviving families are battling harsh winter conditions without adequate food and shelter. The Israeli government claims it is facilitating aid delivery but blames the UN for logistical failures in ensuring supplies reach those in need.
