Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects White House plan for so-called "Board of Peace" for Gaza | DW News

Key Concepts

• Board of Peace: A proposed international body intended to oversee the governance of Gaza during a transitional period.
• Ceasefire Phases: A multi-stage agreement with Phase One focused on hostage/prisoner exchange and Phase Two centered on reconstruction and improved living conditions.
• Technocratic Palestinian Body: A newly formed Palestinian administrative body intended to manage Gaza under the oversight of the Board of Peace.
• Displacement & Reconstruction: The widespread displacement of Gazan citizens and the massive undertaking of rebuilding infrastructure.
• International Stabilization Force: A proposed, but currently unformed, force intended to maintain stability in Gaza.

Rejection of the Board of Peace Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected the White House’s proposed “Board of Peace” plan for governing Gaza. The rejection stems from a lack of prior coordination with Israel and perceived conflict with existing Israeli government policy. The proposed board includes prominent figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Jared Kushner, with Donald Trump slated to chair the board – a structure initially outlined in ceasefire plans from October. The board’s function would be to oversee a Palestinian technocratic body during a transitional period.

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

The situation in Gaza remains dire, particularly as winter sets in. Many Gazans are living in temporary shelters, facing harsh conditions. A Palestinian father, having lost his home, parents, and siblings in the recent conflict, expressed deep skepticism about future improvements, stating, “Everything we want and need is beyond what we will be provided… We’re not optimistic about anything.” He specifically highlighted the need for more substantial shelter than tents, such as caravans or mobile homes, to protect families from the cold.

Ceasefire Phase One & Current Status

The ceasefire officially began in October, but despite Phase One’s completion – involving the return of all living hostages held by Hamas to Israel and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel (with one hostage body still awaiting repatriation) – significant improvements to daily life in Gaza have not materialized. The vast majority of the population remains displaced. Approximately 400 Palestinians have reportedly died since the ceasefire took effect.

Phase Two: Reconstruction & Challenges

Phase Two of the ceasefire agreement focuses on housing and reconstruction, a critical concern for displaced Gazans. A Palestinian mother with five children living in a makeshift tent expressed hope that Phase Two will bring about “an improvement to our living conditions” and the rebuilding of her home. However, the scale of the destruction is immense. The UN estimates that over 61 million tons of rubble need to be cleared, and rebuilding is projected to take years.

The Technocratic Palestinian Body & International Oversight

A new technocratic Palestinian administrative body recently held its first meeting in Egypt, signaling a potential pathway forward. This body will operate under the supervision of the International Board of Peace. While the announcement of Phase Two is seen as a positive step, Palestinians are reporting slow progress.

Unresolved Issues & Future Concerns

Several key issues remain unresolved, casting doubt on the long-term success of the plan. These include:

• International Stabilization Force: The deployment of a promised international stabilization force has yet to occur.
• Disarmament of Hamas: The disarmament of Hamas remains a significant obstacle.
• Israeli Military Withdrawal: The timeline for a further withdrawal of the Israeli military, which currently controls half of Gaza’s territory, remains unclear.

As one Gazan resident stated, reflecting the pervasive sense of uncertainty, “Based on the chaos, daily bombings, martyrs, gunfire, targeting, there’s no expectation of improvement.”