Can Trump’s Board of Peace succeed while Hamas still runs Gaza?
South China Morning Post
by ReutersFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hamas' strengthened control over Gaza's governance and security structures has sparked widespread doubt about the feasibility of U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan. The plan requires Hamas to relinquish its weapons and allow an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, but recent moves by the group suggest it is entrenching its influence rather than stepping aside. An Israeli military assessment highlights Hamas' integration of loyalists into key government roles, including tax collection and salary payments, which reinforces its grip on power in the region.
Meanwhile, Trump's international "Board of Peace," tasked with overseeing Gaza's transitional governance, convened its inaugural meeting in Washington. This board is meant to facilitate a handover of administrative control in Gaza to a U.S.-backed Palestinian committee led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official. However, Hamas has reportedly blocked this committee from entering Gaza to take up its responsibilities, citing Israeli restrictions on movement.
The situation has drawn sharp reactions from both sides. Netanyahu has remained silent on the matter, while an unnamed Israeli government official dismissed any potential future role for Hamas in Gaza as a "twisted fantasy." This stance reflects a broader consensus among Israelis that Hamas' days as a governing authority are effectively over. The ongoing stalemate raises critical questions about whether Trump's peace initiative can succeed without significant concessions from Hamas and its supporters.
The broader implications of this conflict are significant for the region. If Hamas continues to consolidate power in Gaza, it could further destabilize an already fragile area, complicating efforts to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The international community will be closely watching whether Trump's Board of Peace can bridge these divides or if the current impasse will lead to further tensions.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/19/2026