Trump Announces Board of Peace Reaches Agreement for Hamas to Begin Disarming in Gaza
President Trump announced on social media that the Board of Peace—an international organization created earlier this year—has secured an agreement for Hamas to begin disarming in the Gaza Strip. Although specific details remain unknown, disarmament stands as a monumental undertaking for Hamas, an organization specializing in insurgent tactics that has traditionally viewed the surrender of its entire arsenal as tantamount to defeat.
Structure and Military Framework of the Board of Peace
Backed by a United Nations mandate, the Board of Peace was established following a U.S.-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hamas last year to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza. Central to this reconstruction was the demilitarization of the enclave, prompting board officials to draft a formal plan. Mr. Trump selected a U.S. general to lead a deployed military force tasked with disarming Hamas and occupying the Palestinian territory during the multiyear rebuilding campaign. A previous draft framework required Hamas to surrender weapons capable of striking Israel while initially retaining certain small arms, though officials cautioned that plans were subject to change.
Broadening Global Scope and Leadership Terms
Mr. Trump has expanded the scope of the Board of Peace to incorporate other administration-led diplomatic initiatives, a move perceived as an effort to build an alternative to the United Nations under his own direction. Under the organizational charter, Mr. Trump serves as chairman and retains the position “until he resigns it,” according to a U.S. official, allowing him to maintain a central role even after leaving the presidency. Membership structures require financial contributions exceeding $1 billion for permanent seats, while temporary members can join without cost for an initial three-year period.
Founding Members and International Pushback
The organization has accumulated more than 20 founding members. Alongside the United States, participants include Argentina, Hungary, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Conversely, several longtime European allies of the United States, such as France and Spain, have declined to join the board at this time, citing serious concerns regarding international law and respect for the United Nations within the organization’s charter.
