Gaza oversight board members named as experts voice concerns

KABUL (Pajhwok): The White House has announced the composition of a newly formed “Board of Peace” that is intended to oversee Gaza’s interim administration, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who argue the arrangement mirrors a colonial-style governance model.

In a statement released on Friday, the White House said the board would supervise temporary governance in Gaza under a plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The announcement comes as violence continues in the besieged territory despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October, Reuters reported.

Among those appointed to the board are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Under the proposal unveiled late last year, President Trump himself will serve as chair of the board.

Other members include billionaire private equity executive Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump adviser Robert Gabriel. The White House also confirmed the appointment of former UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov as the high representative for Gaza. However, the statement did not outline specific roles or responsibilities for individual board members.

The initiative has sparked criticism from rights groups and analysts, who argue that US oversight of governance in a foreign territory evokes historical patterns of colonial administration.

Blair’s inclusion has also drawn renewed scrutiny, particularly due to his role in the Iraq war and Britain’s legacy of imperial involvement in the Middle East.

Trump first unveiled his 20-point proposal to end the Gaza conflict in September 2025. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of prisoners, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a temporary governing authority under international supervision.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli military operations have continued across Gaza. Palestinian sources report that at least 424 people have been killed and more than 1,199 injured since the truce took effect.

Since the war began, the total death toll in Gaza has reportedly exceeded 71,000, with more than 171,000 people wounded in Israeli attacks.

Last week, Trump’s special envoy announced the start of the second phase of US-led mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

Witkoff said the plan was transitioning from an initial ceasefire phase toward “demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction” of Gaza.

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