In reality, the new governance structure for Gaza is the result of the Trump administration’s machinations. To carry out this work, they constituted a Board headed by now-former US President Donald Trump, with heavy hitters like Jared Kushner and former British PMs Tony Blair. In the process, Hamas-directed terrorists killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and seized more than 250 hostages, prompting Israel to respond with unprecedented military aggression, dubbed self-defense. The board will have the baton of reconstruction and recovery from Sandy in the region’s hand. Engineer and former Palestinian Authority planning minister Ali Shaath tells me that these reconstruction efforts will require at least three years to finish.
Ali Shaath will lead the newly formed committee that aims to address immediate needs in Gaza, particularly focusing on shelter for those displaced by the conflict. Even with this unsettled situation still looming, Shaath has expressed determination to get things in working order as quickly as possible. He emphasized that abiding by international humanitarian law means providing for the basic humanitarian needs of the civilian population. That’s doubly important after so much loss and devastation.
The Human Cost of Conflict
Since the truce started in early October, more than 440 additional Palestinians have been killed, including more than 100 children. Sadly, three Israeli soldiers have been killed within this period. This escalating violence is compounded after more than a week of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis overtaking the region. Eyewitness testimony expresses the sadness of those attending the funeral of the Abu Dalal family. They were all children—three under the age of eight—as they tragically lost their lives in an Israeli strike. Mourners crowded to pray as communities mourned in deep faith the personal loss and public cost of lost and stolen lives.
Increased instability Ironically, this has made the situation more tenuous, as Israel and Hamas have both blamed one another for violations during the ceasefire and increased hostilities. Unfortunately the scale and nature of this deepening conflict makes the work of reconstruction for which this new board will now be responsible all the more difficult.
International Oversight and Controversy
The board’s governance model has raised eyebrows among rights advocates and experts, who argue that Trump’s oversight resembles a colonial structure for Gaza. It’s not just politicians who agree with this. Instead, they view the expanded plan as a unilateral imposition rather than a joint proposal for future coexistence. The board would undoubtedly include Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Billed as a humanitarian aid-focused headliner, this lineup reflects strong US commitment to helping manage Gaza’s future affairs.
Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN Middle East envoy, will assume position of high representative to Gaza. He will direct initiatives towards achieving an equitable outcomes-focused governance structure. This position seeks to amplify the international community’s role in responding to the urgent challenges facing Gaza.
As Ali Shaath and his transportation committee begin their work, they are confronted with tremendous challenges. The immediate need for shelter and basic resources is evident, as captured by images of young girls carrying buckets amid rubble. Challenges still remain on this road toward advancement. Through targeted advocacy and efforts, we can mobilize institutional weight to make a real difference in the lives of Gazans.
