Washington’s unveiling of Gaza committee hails criticism from both sides of conflict

In a rarely witnessed move, Israel’s government has criticised the White House over its announcement of the leaders tasked with overseeing the next steps in Gaza as the ceasefire enters a difficult second phase. Inside Gaza, the announcement of the members has not received a warmer reception.

The public objection from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that the Gaza executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” according to an article by the Jewish News Syndicate.

The statement also revealed that PM Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the foreign ministry to reach out to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The committee, unveiled by the White House on January 16, includes no Israeli officials but does feature Israeli billionaire businessman Yakir Gabay. Other members announced so far include two of President Donald Trump’s closest confidants, a former British prime minister, a US general, and representatives from several Middle Eastern governments.

The White House has said the executive committee will implement the vision of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” whose members have not yet been named. Additionally, the administration announced the formation of a new Palestinian committee to manage Gaza’s daily affairs, which will operate under the oversight of the executive committee. The Palestinian committee convened for the first time in Cairo this week.

Members of the executive committee include Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump’s Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel.

Other committee members comprise a diplomat from Qatar, an intelligence chief from Egypt, and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan—all countries that have mediated the ceasefire—as well as a Cabinet minister from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As noted in a Daily Sabah article, Türkiye maintains a strained relationship with Israel but has "good ties" with Hamas, positioning it to potentially influence the group to relinquish power and disarm. While Hamas has indicated it will dissolve its Gaza government once the Palestinian committee assumes office, it has shown no intention of dismantling its military wing or security forces.

Minutes after Israel’s statement, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed support for Netanyahu and urged that the military prepare to resume hostilities. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, another far-right ally of Netanyahu, fired back on social media by stating that “the countries that kept Hamas alive cannot be the ones that replace it.”

Gaza’s second-largest armed group, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, also criticized the composition of the executive committee, asserting in a Saturday statement that it reflected Israeli “specifications.”

The Trump administration confirmed this week that its US-drafted ceasefire plan for Gaza is now entering its second phase. This phase includes the newly established Palestinian committee in Gaza, deployment of an international security force, Hamas disarmament, and reconstruction of the war-torn territory.

By Nazrin Sadigova