US President Donald Trump recently announced a landmark agreement brokered by his "Board of Peace," which reportedly secures the total disarmament of Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza alongside a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. While Trump’s allies frame this as an innovative, pragmatic solution to a complex conflict, the initiative has drawn significant pushback from international observers. Critics argue that the board mimics colonial-style governance and risks undermining the established authority of the United Nations, particularly as the initiative operates under a structure that grants the board’s chairman—Trump himself—expansive executive powers.

The initiative has garnered a varied international response; while nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and several others have joined, key global powers including China, Russia, and several European nations have declined, citing concerns over the board's legitimacy and the notable exclusion of Palestinian representation. Furthermore, the board faces scrutiny regarding its funding and ethics, as it allows for permanent membership status for nations that contribute $1 billion, and includes members with controversial human rights records. Despite the UN Security Council passing a resolution to recognize the board's role in Gaza’s temporary administration and reconstruction, major questions persist regarding its long-term legal authority and its capacity to address the massive humanitarian and rebuilding needs of a territory left largely in ruins.