The White House unveiled the initial members of its Gaza "Board of Peace," a move that has already drawn scrutiny regarding the US approach to the region. The composition of the boards, designed to oversee investment, diplomacy, and on-the-ground work in Gaza, currently lacks Palestinian representation at the senior levels.
The structure includes a "founding Executive Board" focused on high-level investment and diplomacy, and a "Gaza Executive Board" responsible for overseeing the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The NCAG is comprised of Palestinian technocrats, led by Dr. Ali Shaath, a civil engineer and former minister in the Palestinian Authority.
Of the seven members named to the founding Executive Board, six are American, including US Secretary of State Ma. This imbalance has fueled criticism that the US plan may be perceived as an externally imposed solution, according to some observers. The exact financial commitments and investment strategies to be managed by the board remain undisclosed. The absence of Palestinian figures on the senior boards raises questions about the level of local input and control in the initiative.
The initiative aims to address the economic and infrastructural challenges in Gaza, but the lack of clarity regarding the overall budget and specific project timelines creates uncertainty. The success of the "Board of Peace" will likely depend on its ability to attract substantial investment and foster cooperation between various stakeholders, including Palestinian representatives. Further announcements regarding additional board members and the detailed operational framework are expected in the coming weeks.
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