Palestinians in Gaza say ‘Board of Peace’ will further occupation
Al Jazeera
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Palestinian residents of Gaza have expressed strong skepticism toward Donald Trump’s newly inaugurated "Board of Peace," viewing it as a potential tool to legitimize and expand Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Many see the initiative, announced in 2017 and operationalized earlier this year, as an effort to further entrench Israeli control over Gaza and other occupied areas. Critics argue that the board, composed largely of pro-Israel figures, operates outside international consensus on Palestinian rights and self-determination, effectively undermining efforts to achieve a just peace.
The "Board of Peace" is part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape Middle East politics in alignment with Israel’s interests. It purports to promote stability and security in the region but has been widely criticized for its pro-Israel bias. The board operates under a framework that many Palestinians and international observers argue disregards their rights, particularly those living under occupation in Gaza. This skepticism is fueled by the board’s perceived role in facilitating policies that deepen Israel’s control over Palestinian territories, including resource exploitation and settlement expansion.
The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian leaders who see it as an attempt to bypass international law and consensus on the conflict. They argue that such efforts only serve to entrench occupation rather than address its root causes. The board’s focus on security cooperation with Israel, coupled with its lack of representation for Palestinians, further alienates those already feeling marginalized by the peace process. This perceived bias has led many to view the "Board of Peace" as a hollow gesture that fails to advance meaningful dialogue or reconciliation.
For readers interested in global politics and Middle East affairs, this matters because it highlights the ongoing challenges to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The initiative underscores how external actors like Trump’s administration can influence regional dynamics, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability. By sidelining Palestinian voices and focusing on Israel’s interests, such efforts risk deepening divisions and complicating already fragile negotiations. This not only impacts regional stability but also has broader implications for international law and diplomacy.
In an era where global powers are increasingly drawn into the Middle East’s complex web of
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/19/2026