New Peace Council Formed Amidst Uncertainty Over Gaza Administration and Disarmament

The White House has unveiled the initial members of a newly-formed peace council designed to oversee the management of the Gaza Strip, a step delineated in the second phase of the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas, which commenced on Wednesday. The council's primary responsibility will be to supervise the operations of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. This committee, predominantly composed of Palestinian technical experts, is tasked with governing Gaza and, in theory, marginalizing Hamas from power. Despite this optimistic outlook, significant skepticism surrounds the functionality and credibility of these governing bodies, particularly regarding their imminent operational timeline. Among the notable figures appointed to the so-called peace council are U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff — Donald Trump's chief negotiator for both Gaza and Ukraine — former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a key figure in his administration's Middle East policies. The council’s ensemble also features World Bank Director Ajay Banga, billionaire financier Marc Rowan, and Robert Gabriel Jr., a former television producer and Trump collaborator. Chairing the council will be Donald Trump himself, a choice that may further fuel criticisms about the council's independence and efficacy. Currently, there is no representation from Palestinian individuals in the council, which traditionally includes distinguished figures from international organizations and scholarly backgrounds as well as experts in human rights and democratic transitions. The absence of Palestinian voices raises alarms about the inclusivity and authenticity of this venture. The peace council is positioned to not only oversee Gaza's administration but also to address broader issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Strip — objectives that, as of now, appear daunting and rather distant. As the international community watches closely, doubts directly challenge the feasibility of attaining these ambitious goals. The formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the establishment of the peace council mark a tentative stride forward, yet the future remains uncertain. The announcement made by the U.S. government highlights a pivotal phase in attempts to quell tensions in the region. However, with major challenges still on the horizon, including the necessary disarmament of Hamas, stakeholders remain cautious about the council’s potential impact. The coming weeks are anticipated to unveil additional appointments to the council, which may either enhance its credibility or further highlight existing gaps in representation and efficacy. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2