January 28, 2026 | National Review
Two Bad Apples Threaten to Spoil the Gaza Board of Peace
The inclusion of Qatar and Turkey puts the body’s peacemaking mission at risk.
January 28, 2026 | National Review
Two Bad Apples Threaten to Spoil the Gaza Board of Peace
The inclusion of Qatar and Turkey puts the body’s peacemaking mission at risk.
Excerpt
In the Middle East, President Donald Trump is known for breaking the status quo. He moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He brokered the Abraham Accords, shattering the traditional belief that progress hinges on Palestinian statehood. And he deployed B-2 bombers to strike Iran’s nuclear program. But in Gaza, the administration’s approach will not break the status quo like it should.
On Monday, the Israel Defense Forces received the body of the last hostage who had been captive in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The second phase of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza can now commence in earnest. The Gaza Board of Peace, which the White House announced on January 16, “will play an essential role” overseeing Gaza’s transition “from conflict to peace and development.” The problem is that Turkey and Qatar may have a seat at the table.
Sinan Ciddi is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where Natalie Ecanow is a senior research analyst. Follow Sinan on X @SinanCiddi. Follow Natalie on X @NatalieEcanow. Follow FDD on X @FDD.