In a controversial move, US President Donald Trump has assembled a high-level “Board of Peace” to oversee the post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza. However, this decision has drawn criticism from Israel, which has expressed objections to the composition of the board.
The board, which is set to play a key role in managing the rebuilding process in the war-torn Gaza Strip, includes several individuals with close ties to the Trump administration. Among them are Jared Kushner, the President’s son-in-law and senior adviser, as well as Jason Greenblatt, the administration’s special representative for international negotiations.
The inclusion of these two figures has raised concerns among Israeli officials, who have long been sceptical of the Trump administration’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They argue that Kushner and Greenblatt’s involvement could undermine Israel’s interests and influence the outcome of the reconstruction efforts.
“Israel has made it clear that it has reservations about the composition of this board,” said a senior Israeli official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “We believe that the people involved may not have the necessary impartiality and understanding of the complex realities on the ground.”
The official also expressed concerns that the board’s decisions could have far-reaching implications for the region, potentially affecting the delicate balance of power and the ongoing negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
However, the Trump administration has defended the creation of the “Board of Peace,” stating that it is a necessary step to ensure a smooth and effective reconstruction process in Gaza. The White House has argued that the board’s members have the necessary expertise and experience to navigate the challenging political and logistical challenges that lie ahead.
“This board is made up of seasoned professionals who have a deep understanding of the issues in the region,” said a White House spokesperson. “Their goal is to facilitate the rebuilding of Gaza in a way that promotes long-term stability and security for all parties involved.”
Despite these assurances, the controversy surrounding the “Board of Peace” is likely to continue, as both Israel and the Palestinians closely monitor its activities and decision-making. The outcome of this process could have significant implications for the future of the region and the ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
