President Donald Trump announced on Jan. 15 the formation of the Gaza Board of Peace, following the start of the second phase of a U.S.-backed cease-fire agreement between Israel and terrorist group Hamas.
“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.”
The board, to be chaired by Trump, will oversee a Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with administering the Gaza Strip.
“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,” Trump stated.
Trump said the United States will work with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to secure a demilitarization agreement requiring Hamas to surrender all weapons and dismantle its tunnel network.
“Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization,” the president stated.
“As I have said before, they can do this the easy way, or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW.”
Israel and Hamas have traded accusations of cease-fire violations since October. The first phase of the deal was supposed to include the release of all Israeli hostages, living and dead, held by Hamas. Thus far, Hamas has returned the remains of 27 out of 28 deceased hostages.
The Israel Defense Forces launched its military operation in Gaza after Hamas terrorists carried out widespread attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. More than 1,100 people were killed, thousands were injured, and 250 were taken hostage during that attack.
The Israeli military response in Gaza has led to more than 71,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health department. The department does not distinguish between civilians and terrorists.
Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.
