New Peace Initiative for Gaza Unveiled
A recent announcement by the US-led Board of Peace and International Stabilization Force for Gaza has outlined a new agreement aimed at comprehensively ending the conflict in the region. This initiative, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, seeks the full disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, alongside a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. The plan was publicly shared by US President Donald Trump, who chairs the Board of Peace, late on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The proposed roadmap has been met with a mix of cautious optimism and profound skepticism, particularly among Palestinians, who cite Israel's past failures to adhere to previous agreements. Despite the announcement, Israel has not yet publicly endorsed the proposal, and Hamas has stated its commitment to the deal is conditional on Israel fulfilling its own obligations, specifically regarding troop withdrawal.
Since a US-brokered ceasefire was purportedly established in October 2025, continuous Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 1,100 Palestinians. Furthermore, restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza have persisted, and Israel has expanded its 'Yellow Line' deeper into the Strip, actions that some experts suggest may violate the initial 20-point peace plan. These ongoing issues contribute to the widespread doubt concerning the viability and ultimate success of the newly announced agreement.
Key Aspects of the Disarmament Proposal
President Trump described the agreement as a significant step towards achieving lasting peace and security, envisioning a Gaza governed by a new Palestinian authority that collaborates with the Board of Peace. The plan emphasizes that Israel would gain the security it seeks, with Gaza no longer serving as a launchpad for attacks. The implementation is designed to occur in structured phases, with Israeli forces withdrawing progressively as disarmament proceeds.
The Board of Peace stated that an International Stabilization Force would work in conjunction with a new Palestinian police force to ensure security within Gaza. Hamas, through its negotiator Ghazi Hamad, confirmed its participation is dependent on Israel honoring its commitments, clarifying that a Palestinian National Committee would oversee disarmament without Israeli interference.
The disarmament process, as outlined, involves several critical steps:
- Within 14 days, a detailed inventory of Hamas's weaponry must be prepared. Extensions are only permissible with the consent of an international verification commission and all involved parties.
- A Palestinian National Committee will be established to manage and execute the inventory, storage, and control of all weapons in Gaza, ensuring no weapons are transferred to non-Palestinian entities.
- An international verification commission, the International Stabilization Force, and the new Palestinian police force will supervise the disarmament, coordinating with Israel's phased withdrawal.
- Initial disarmament efforts will focus on heavy weaponry, military production sites, weapons depots, and the extensive tunnel network.
- The entire process is contingent on the entry of the National Committee and the deployment of the international force, with disarmament phases directly linked to Israel's gradual withdrawal and the broader implementation of the peace plan.
Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher reported from Washington, DC, that Hamas agreed to sign the agreement following negotiations with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators. The disarmament, considered a major sticking point, would involve Hamas surrendering its weapons to the International Stabilization Force. Demilitarized zones would be established and verified by an independent body. Fisher noted that the process, particularly demilitarization, could span 200 to 300 days. The International Stabilization Force, led by an American general, is expected to comprise approximately 5,000 personnel from various nations. The process is slated to commence 14 days after all parties formally accept the agreement.
Governance Structure for Post-Conflict Gaza
The proposed roadmap envisions a new administrative framework for Gaza, transferring day-to-day governance to a technocratic Palestinian committee under the supervision of the Board of Peace. This structure includes:
- Gaza Board of Peace: A US-led international body, chaired for life by Donald Trump, responsible for strategic oversight, post-war stabilization, and reconstruction funding.
- Founding Executive Board: A seven-member group, led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, tasked with setting the agenda and implementing the Board's mission. Other members reportedly include Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Ajay Banga.
- Gaza Executive Board: An operational body coordinating reconstruction efforts and engaging with regional diplomats.
- National Committee for the Administration of Gaza: A technocratic Palestinian committee responsible for civilian administration within Gaza, explicitly excluding Hamas participation.
- International Stabilization Force: A multinational force tasked with maintaining security and supporting the new Palestinian police. Indonesia has been mentioned as a potential contributor, with Morocco offering training support.
- New Gaza Police Force: A locally recruited force expected to assume control of areas vacated by Hamas and Israeli troops, though details on recruitment and selection remain unclear.
Nikolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's high representative, emphasized the need for political and practical backing for the Palestinian administrative committee and the Palestinian people to take charge of their future.
Concerns Surrounding the Board of Peace
The Board of Peace, established and led by the US government under Donald Trump's leadership, is designated by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to oversee the Gaza peace plan. However, its powers, composition, and broader objectives have generated apprehension among Palestinians and several governments.
Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh highlighted that while the Board is intended to supervise the ceasefire enforcement and reconstruction, concerns have arisen regarding its mandate. Following invitations in January, countries like France, Spain, and Norway expressed reservations about the Board's charter, fearing it might overstep its boundaries beyond Gaza. Odeh suggested that some view it as an attempt to supersede the United Nations, particularly given Trump's stated intention to remain chairman for life, even if not US President. Several European nations declined to join due to these mandate concerns. Additionally, the inclusion of Israel, despite ongoing allegations of genocide in Gaza and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for its Prime Minister, has raised questions. The significant level of US control has also prompted concerns that the process might circumvent international law and Palestinian rights, particularly given Israel's status as an occupying power.
Uncertainty Over Israel's Commitment
A major point of contention and skepticism revolves around whether Israel will honor the agreement. The absence of a public confirmation from Israel, coupled with its actions since the October 2025 ceasefire—including continued attacks, humanitarian aid restrictions, and territorial expansion—fuels Palestinian distrust. The agreement's structure, which links Hamas's disarmament directly to Israel's withdrawal, means any delay or new conditions imposed by Israel could derail the entire process.
Stephen Zunes, Chair of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of San Francisco, commented that Israel has a history of reinterpreting agreements, often with the expectation of continued US political support. He suggested that while Israel might theoretically agree to the terms, it could later reinterpret or violate them, anticipating that the US would not challenge its stance or might even blame the Palestinian side. This perceived vulnerability in US enforcement is seen as a significant weakness of the current agreement.
