Trump Announces "Board of Peace" for Gaza Amid Global Skepticism

President Donald Trump has officially unveiled his administration's new initiative for the Middle East, dubbed the "Board of Peace," aimed at overseeing the reconstruction and governance of Gaza. The proposal, announced early Friday, involves a coalition of international overseers but notably sidelines the Palestinian Authority, a move that has drawn immediate condemnation from Palestinian leaders in the West Bank and Gaza. They argue the board is a violation of sovereignty and an imposition of external will that fails to address the core issues of statehood and self-determination.

The reaction from the international community has been mixed, with significant hesitation from European Union leaders. While the US administration is pressuring EU nations to appoint representatives to the board, Brussels has remained noncommittal, with diplomats expressing concern over the board's mandate and its lack of Palestinian buy-in. Analysts suggest the "Board of Peace" may struggle to gain legitimacy on the ground, as humanitarian groups fear it could complicate aid delivery by adding a layer of politicized bureaucracy to an already dire situation.