Washington, January 16, 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday the establishment of a high-level "Board of Peace" to supervise the post-ceasefire governance and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, describing it as "the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place." The announcement, made via posts on his Truth Social platform, marks a key milestone in the implementation of his 20-point plan to end the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire transitions into its second phase focused on demilitarization, technocratic administration, and large-scale rebuilding.
In his initial post, Trump declared: "It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed. The Members of the Board will be announced shortly, but I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place." He positioned himself as the chairman of the board, which is tasked with overseeing the transitional arrangements in Gaza.
In a follow-up statement, Trump elaborated on the board's role, stating: "As Chairman of the Board of Peace, I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board's High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition. These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!" He emphasized that the board would facilitate a "comprehensive demilitarization agreement" with Hamas, involving the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of every tunnel, with support from key regional mediators Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar.
The announcements follow U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's declaration on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, that phase two of Trump's 20-point Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict had officially begun. Witkoff described the phase as a shift "from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," primarily centered on disarming unauthorized armed groups (with a focus on Hamas) and initiating massive rebuilding efforts in the enclave, which has been devastated by prolonged hostilities.
The plan, initially unveiled in September 2025 and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, achieved its first phase objectives starting October 10, 2025. That phase secured a fragile ceasefire, facilitated the release of all living hostages held by Hamas (along with the remains of 27 out of 28 deceased hostages), enabled partial Israeli military withdrawal to agreed lines, and delivered unprecedented levels of humanitarian aid—described by Trump as "historic" and "UNPRECEDENTED" in speed and scale. Despite sporadic violations—including Israeli strikes that have killed hundreds of Palestinians and some Israeli casualties—the truce has largely held, allowing for the recovery of bodies and a surge in aid deliveries.
Phase two introduces the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a 15-member transitional technocratic body composed of independent Palestinian experts rather than political faction representatives. The committee, formally established on January 14, 2026, is led by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, a former deputy minister of planning in the Palestinian Authority with expertise in economic development, industrial zones, and reconstruction. It is responsible for managing day-to-day civil affairs, including public services, sanitation, education, health, and humanitarian coordination, while paving the way for eventual reintegration under a reformed Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
The NCAG operates under the supervision of the "Board of Peace," chaired by Trump, with former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov serving as a key liaison or High Representative. The board is expected to include prominent international figures—potentially heads of state, kings, and presidents from various countries—as well as advisors like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, with invitations extended broadly. Trump has claimed overwhelming interest from global leaders, though full membership details remain pending. The structure also envisions the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to support security, train vetted Palestinian police, and facilitate reconstruction estimated to require tens of billions of dollars.
Trump reiterated demands for Hamas to fully comply with commitments, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage (Israeli St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili) and swift disarmament. "Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments... and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization," he wrote. "They can do this the easy way, or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."
Regional mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye welcomed the developments in a joint statement, describing the NCAG's formation as an "important development" for stability, humanitarian improvement, and reconstruction. Palestinian Authority officials, including Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh, expressed support, emphasizing coordination with U.S. teams and the need for unified governance. Hamas and allied factions, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, indicated willingness to hand over administration to the committee while providing a conducive environment, though full disarmament remains a contentious issue.
The Gaza conflict, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, led to widespread destruction, displacement of over 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, and severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by winter storms, flooding, and shortages. The ceasefire has enabled record aid flows, but challenges persist, including restricted access, sporadic violence, and debates over Israeli withdrawal timelines, Hamas disarmament guarantees, and long-term political arrangements.
Trump's announcements have elicited mixed reactions: optimism from proponents viewing the board and committee as pathways to stability and reconstruction, alongside skepticism from critics who question the plan's feasibility, potential colonial undertones in U.S. oversight, and unresolved core issues like Palestinian statehood and full Israeli withdrawal. As the Board of Peace prepares to convene—possibly on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos—the coming weeks will test the plan's ability to deliver sustainable peace in one of the region's most volatile areas.
