Gaza Board of Peace: The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has been invited by former US President Donald Trump to join the newly established “Board of Peace” for Gaza, as announced by Trump as a result of the second phase of a US-supported program introduced to bring stability to Gaza after recent Israeli Hamas wars. This move is indicative of Washington’s plan for significant inclusion of regional actors for restructuring the Israeli Hamas war aftermath and their interests are reflected through involvement with Islamabad’s commitment to international frameworks for peace.
Trump Announces Gaza Board of Peace
The Gaza Board of Peace was one of the measures introduced by Trump to bring peace to the region. In his Truth Social posting, Trump stated that “the Gaza Board of Peace is the greatest and most prestigious ever assembled” and his administration’s plan to bring peace to the region would rely on this board to oversee the operations of the 15-member Palestinian technocratic body, which would run the administration of Gaza after the war. The board would also be used to oversee the security of the region provided by the international stabilization forces.
One Day After Trump’s $1B Donation Request
A day after demanding at least a $1 billion contribution from nations to join the Gaza Board of Peace, Trump invited Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring Washington’s push for broader international involvement in post-war Gaza stabilization.
Reactions from Gaza & Regional Actors
The reaction in Gaza has been guarded. A top Hamas official, Bassem Naim, emphasized the need for the success of the technocratic body to rely on the support of the mediators, the US as a guarantor and the international community. Still, the principal issue is the Israeli withdrawal in Gaza, whose timeline is yet to be set. The disarmament process in the Gaza territory is yet to happen, despite the planned internal elections in Feb. 2026.
What Role is Pakistan Playing in the Gaza Peace Initiative?
As reported by Pakistani and global sources, Islamabad’s role is merely symbolic, meant for contributing towards harmony through UN-backed peace initiatives. Analysts point out that though Islamabad’s operational role is likely to have little impact on Gaza, its role is likely to improve Washington’s strategic stance in the region, along with sending a global political statement to Gulf nations, as well as China. Sharif is likely to hold talks with Trump on the occasion of World Economic Forum, to be held in Davos, thus finalizing Islamabad’s role in this endeavor.
What Could This Mean for India?
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s membership of Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza may have implications for the regional policy of India, including its foreign policy, security policy, and engagement with Middle East actors.
Challenges & Global Implications
Despite this extensive plan, there are some challenges. Gaza is still witnessing a shortage of aid and violence, with more than 450 casualties recorded after the ceasefire, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. Hamas is committed to its obligations to the US with regard to demilitarization, whereas Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are chosen as important intermediaries in this plan. Some experts believe that, despite improving governance and chances for peace, its success is dependent on international monitoring and cooperation by Hamas.
