What's Happening?
An international body, known as the Board of Peace, is set to be announced by the end of the year to govern the Gaza Strip as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan. This body, chaired by President Trump,
will oversee Gaza's reconstruction under a two-year, renewable U.N. mandate. The plan includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force to ensure security and the disarmament of Hamas, a key demand from Israel. The announcement is expected when President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet later this month. However, several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have expressed deep concern over the plan, particularly regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the lack of a clear path to Palestinian statehood.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of an international governing body for Gaza represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region following years of conflict. The involvement of an international force could potentially lead to a reduction in violence and facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. However, the plan's success hinges on the cooperation of Hamas and the acceptance of the international community. The concerns raised by Middle Eastern nations highlight the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region, as the plan does not currently guarantee Palestinian statehood, a critical issue for many stakeholders.
What's Next?
Extensive talks are expected to begin immediately with Hamas and Israel to address the details of the second phase of the plan, particularly the disarmament of Hamas. The deployment of the international force is anticipated to start in early 2026. Additionally, Israel plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza, although this has sparked further concerns about the freedom of movement for Palestinians. The outcome of these discussions and the implementation of the plan will be closely watched by the international community.
