Israel has voiced its discontent over the recent announcement made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the appointment of American leaders who will play a role in overseeing future actions in Gaza. This objection stems from Israel's assertion that the newly formed Gaza executive committee was established without their coordination and contradicts Israeli policy, although specific details regarding these concerns have not been disclosed.
In response to this situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Foreign Ministry to reach out to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the matter further. Interestingly, the committee introduced by the White House does not include any Israeli officials, although it does feature Yakir Gabay, an Israeli businessman and billionaire.
The executive committee consists of several prominent figures, including two of Trump's close associates, a former British prime minister, a U.S. general, as well as representatives from multiple Middle Eastern nations. This aligns with the White House's vision of a Trump-led "Board of Peace," which aims to establish a framework for peace in the region—though the specific members of this board have yet to be announced.
Additionally, the White House has revealed a new Palestinian committee tasked with managing the daily operations in Gaza, under the supervision of the aforementioned executive committee. This Palestinian committee convened for the first time recently in Cairo, marking a significant step in this ongoing process.
Among the notable members of the executive committee are Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law), former British PM Tony Blair, CEO of Apollo Global Management Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel. The committee also includes a diplomat from Qatar, Egypt’s intelligence head, Türkiye’s foreign minister, and a cabinet minister from the United Arab Emirates—all of whom have played roles in previous ceasefire negotiations.
While Türkiye maintains a complex relationship with Israel, it has established good ties with Hamas, potentially positioning it as a key player in encouraging Hamas to relinquish control and disarm. Notably, Hamas has indicated that it will dissolve its governance in Gaza once the new Palestinian committee is operational, yet there has been no indication that it plans to dismantle its military wing or security apparatus.
As of now, Netanyahu's office has not publicly addressed questions related to Israel's objections concerning the executive committee. Shortly after the U.S. announcement, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, expressed support for Netanyahu, urging military preparation for potential renewed conflict. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, another ally of Netanyahu, took to social media to argue that those nations that have supported Hamas should not be the ones replacing it.
Furthermore, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the second-largest militant organization in Gaza after Hamas, has also criticized the composition of the Gaza executive committee, claiming it reflects certain Israeli interests.
Moving forward, the Trump administration has indicated that the U.S.-drafted ceasefire plan for Gaza is transitioning into its second phase. This phase encompasses the establishment of the new Palestinian committee in Gaza, deploying an international security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and rebuilding the war-ravaged region. The ceasefire, initiated amid the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hamas, became effective on October 10.
The first phase of this ceasefire primarily focused on facilitating the return of all remaining hostages in exchange for releasing hundreds of Palestinian detainees, alongside an increase in humanitarian aid and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, in January, Israel imposed restrictions on dozens of aid organizations, banning them from operating within Gaza.
The conflict erupted following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly among civilians, and over 250 individuals taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel's military actions have led to the deaths of more than 71,400 Palestinians, with over 460 casualties reported since the ceasefire began, according to data from Gaza's Health Ministry. This ministry, aligned with the Hamas administration, maintains detailed casualty figures that are considered largely reliable by various UN agencies.
What do you think about the involvement of international leaders in such a sensitive issue? Is there a way forward that could ensure lasting peace, or do you believe the current approach is destined to fail? Share your thoughts in the comments!
