Trump-Backed Board of Peace Rejects UNRWA Role in Gaza Reconstruction

The Board of Peace, an international body established under former U.S. President Donald Trump's vision, issued a strong statement rejecting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from participating in Gaza's post-war reconstruction. The organization declared that UNRWA has no place in the "new Gaza," emphasizing a break from the cycle of dependency on ongoing UN aid and conflict. The Board aims to promote recovery, stability, and economic development in Gaza through a new model that replaces the existing aid mechanisms, which it claims have fostered long-term dependency without sustainable solutions.

Simultaneously, the United States delegation to the United Nations urged member states to cease funding UNRWA and instead support the Board of Peace. Their statement framed the choice as between financing incitement, terrorism, and stagnation through UNRWA or enabling a path to peace and prosperity for Gaza residents via the Board of Peace. The U.S. delegation warned that history will remember the decisions made.

This development occurs amid Israel's ongoing campaign against UNRWA, accusing the agency of exceeding its humanitarian mandate and involvement of some staff in terrorist activities, including the October 7 attacks. Israel also criticizes UNRWA for perpetuating the Palestinian refugee issue and spreading incitement in its educational institutions. In response, the Israeli Knesset has passed legislation restricting UNRWA's operations in Israel, and its Jerusalem headquarters was demolished.

The Board of Peace positions itself as a fresh alternative to UNRWA, seeking to end the cycle of aid dependency and conflict in Gaza by fostering long-term development and stability.