Washington: United States President Donald Trump has placed his newly created Board of Peace at the heart of his latest effort to end the war in Gaza, announcing what he described as a historic agreement aimed at securing the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups. While the announcement has drawn international attention and cautious optimism, many questions remain about how the proposal will be carried out and whether all parties involved will support it.
The Board of Peace was established by President Trump in January this year as an international body designed to promote peace and oversee reconstruction efforts in conflict zones. Although its initial focus is on Gaza, the administration has said the board could eventually take on a wider role in addressing other global conflicts. Trump serves as the chair of the body, which also includes senior United States officials and advisers responsible for coordinating diplomatic, humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
According to the White House, the Board of Peace played a key role in negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, which have acted as mediators between Israel and Hamas for many months. Trump said these talks resulted in an agreement that sets out a phased process for Hamas and other armed groups to surrender their weapons while opening the way for a broader political transition in Gaza.
Under the proposed framework, armed groups would gradually hand over their weapons under international supervision. In return, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza in stages, while a new Palestinian governing authority would assume responsibility for the administration of the territory. International peacekeeping forces would also be deployed to help maintain security during the transition period.
The United States administration described the proposal as an important step towards achieving lasting peace after years of conflict. Trump said the agreement offers hope to millions of civilians who have endured repeated cycles of violence and humanitarian suffering.
The Board of Peace is also expected to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza once security conditions improve. Its responsibilities include coordinating international funding, supervising rebuilding projects and supporting the establishment of stable civilian institutions. Earlier this year, participating countries pledged billions of dollars to help rebuild homes, hospitals, schools and essential infrastructure damaged during the conflict.
Despite the optimistic tone from Washington, the proposal faces significant challenges. Israeli officials have not formally endorsed Trump's announcement and continue to insist that Hamas must be completely dismantled before any major military withdrawal can take place. Israel has repeatedly stated that the full demilitarisation of Gaza remains a key security requirement and that any agreement must include strong verification measures.
Hamas has reportedly accepted a framework that includes a phased disarmament process linked to wider political arrangements, although the group has not publicly released the full details of the agreement. Analysts note that implementation will depend on mutual trust, independent monitoring and guarantees from international mediators.
The Board of Peace itself has also generated debate within the international community. While the initiative has received support from several countries and was recognised through a United Nations Security Council resolution, some governments have questioned its structure and the extent of its authority. Critics argue that Palestinian representation within the body remains limited and that existing United Nations mechanisms should continue to play the leading role in peacebuilding efforts.
Diplomatic observers believe the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the agreement can move beyond political statements and become a practical roadmap for peace. Key issues such as the timetable for disarmament, the deployment of international peacekeepers, the establishment of a new Palestinian administration and the pace of Israeli troop withdrawals have yet to be finalised.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza also remains severe despite renewed diplomatic efforts. Thousands of families continue to face shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies after months of fighting. International aid agencies have stressed that any lasting peace agreement must be accompanied by unrestricted humanitarian access and sustained reconstruction efforts.
For now, Trump's Board of Peace represents one of the most ambitious diplomatic initiatives launched by his administration. Whether it succeeds will depend not only on commitments made around the negotiating table but also on the willingness of all sides to implement the difficult compromises needed to bring an end to one of the world's longest and most complex conflicts.