Israel has expressed its objection to the United States’ recent announcement regarding the formation of a committee tasked with overseeing the next steps in Gaza. This criticism comes as the ceasefire enters a complex second phase. The Israeli government stated that the Gaza executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” though it did not provide further details.
On October 10, 2023, a ceasefire was enacted following a series of violent clashes between Israel and Hamas, which began with a major attack by Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily among civilians. The ceasefire aimed to facilitate humanitarian aid and the return of hostages, alongside a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The newly announced committee, revealed by the White House on November 3, 2023, notably does not include any Israeli officials, although it features Israeli businessman and billionaire Yakir Gabay. The committee comprises key figures including Marco Rubio, U.S. President Donald Trump‘s senior advisor Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and several representatives from Middle Eastern governments.
The White House indicated that this executive committee will implement the vision of a “Board of Peace” led by Trump, although the full membership of this board has yet to be disclosed. In addition to the executive committee, a new Palestinian committee is set to manage Gaza’s daily affairs, with its first meeting occurring on November 2, 2023, in Cairo.
The executive committee’s composition has drawn criticism from both Israeli officials and Palestinian factions. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, expressed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged military preparations for potential conflict escalation. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed this sentiment on social media, arguing that nations that have supported Hamas should not be involved in its replacement.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group, also voiced concerns about the committee’s formation, claiming it reflects Israeli interests. The Trump administration emphasized that the current phase of the ceasefire plan involves the establishment of the new Palestinian committee, deployment of an international security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage.
As the geopolitical landscape remains fraught, the potential for further conflict looms. The ongoing situation necessitates close monitoring as various stakeholders navigate this complex and evolving crisis.
