New storm to hit Gaza, piling on suffering for thousands of displaced

The United States has invited multiple countries to join President Trump's "Board of Peace" to oversee the next phase of his Gaza peace plan, focused on governance, reconstruction, and long-term development. At least sixteen countries, including Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan, Hungary, India, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina and Albania have confirmed receiving invitations. Trump will chair the board, which includes figures like Jared Kushner and Marco Rubio, and it will work alongside the Gaza Executive Board and other entities to promote peace and stability. Turkey and Qatar have already been appointed to the Gaza Executive Board. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office stated that the composition of the Gaza Executive Board was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts its policy. The plan requires Hamas to return all living and deceased hostages.

Donald Trump has invited multiple countries to join his newly formed "Board of Peace," intended to oversee the next phase in Gaza following the October 10th ceasefire. Several countries, including Hungary, India, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan, confirmed receiving invitations, joining others like Canada and Turkey. The board's mandate includes establishing a new Palestinian committee in Gaza, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and reconstructing the territory. A $1 billion contribution secures a permanent seat on the board, with funds earmarked for Gaza's rebuilding, while a three-year appointment requires no contribution. Trump's letters to world leaders suggest the Board of Peace aims to resolve global conflicts, potentially rivaling the United Nations, whose influence has been weakened by funding cuts and Security Council vetoes.

In January 2026, former US President Donald Trump established a 'Board of Peace' to oversee Gaza's post-war transition. The board includes high-level figures such as Tony Blair and Jared Kushner. Israel has voiced objections to the US-led initiative. Critics argue that the board sidelines Palestinian voices in determining Gaza's future. The purpose of the board is to manage the post-war reconstruction and governance of Gaza. The location of the board's operations will be primarily focused on the Gaza Strip.

Far-right members of Israel's governing coalition are opposing a US-backed plan for postwar governance in Gaza, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu's lack of annexation and settlement plans. The White House announced a "Gaza executive board" with representatives from Turkey and Qatar, countries that have been critical of Israel. Finance Minister Smotrich called Netanyahu's "unwillingness to take responsibility for Gaza" as "the original sin" and suggested establishing a military government to encourage Israeli settlement. Netanyahu convened a meeting with coalition partners to address tensions, as their participation is crucial for his political survival. Netanyahu himself objected to the plan, citing a lack of coordination with Israel and appointments contrary to its policy.

In January 2026, the US-backed National Committee for Gaza Management (NGAC) released its mission statement outlining goals for restoring services and fostering peace in Gaza. The NGAC, a technocratic body, was established as part of Donald Trump's peace plan and authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. It will operate under the direction of Trump's "Board of Peace" and with the support of a High Representative for Gaza. The NGAC aims to rebuild Gaza's infrastructure and governance, but faces challenges due to widespread destruction from the recent war and skepticism about its autonomy. Concerns also exist regarding the pro-Israel composition of the "Board of Peace" and the "Gaza executive board," which lack Palestinian representation.

A new storm is expected to worsen conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift camps in Gaza. The majority of tents, already weakened by harsh winter weather, are now unusable. This situation is a result of the ongoing conflict and restrictions on aid, including essential building materials, despite a ceasefire agreement. While the agreement stipulated 600 aid trucks daily, only an average of 145 have entered Gaza. The lack of adequate shelter leaves families exposed to rain, cold, and freezing temperatures, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation is further compounded by the ongoing Israeli war, which has displaced nearly all of Gaza's two million residents.

In January 2026, as phase two of the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas begins, President Trump demanded Hamas's immediate demilitarization and the return of the last Israeli captive's remains. Trump threatened unspecified consequences if Hamas fails to comply. The US aims to disarm Hamas, dismantle its tunnel network with the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, and deploy an international peacekeeping force. However, Hamas has refused to disarm while Israel occupies Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has yet to fulfill its obligations under the agreement, including withdrawing its forces and increasing aid to Gaza. The central issue for Palestinians remains Israel's full military withdrawal, a step included in the ceasefire framework but lacking a detailed timetable.

The article reports that Israel is objecting to a recent announcement by the United States regarding leaders who will help oversee the next steps in Gaza. The US announcement concerns individuals who will be involved in the future governance or reconstruction efforts in the region. The specific reasons for Israel's objection are not detailed in the provided text. The article includes photos depicting displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on January 17, 2026, highlighting the conditions in a temporary camp, including water shortages and sewage overflow. The article was last updated in Nahariya.

World leaders are considering joining President Trump's proposed "Board of Peace" aimed at implementing his postwar vision for Gaza. The board, chaired by Trump, is intended to carry out his peace plan between Israel and Hamas, as outlined in a UN Security Council resolution. Canada, Egypt, and Turkey have confirmed receiving invitations to participate, with Canada indicating its intention to accept. The board's full membership and specific mandate remain unclear, raising questions about its potential role as an alternative to the UN Security Council. The US administration has also announced executive committees, staffed by Trump's aides and Middle Eastern officials, to support the board's work, including one specifically focused on overseeing Gaza.

On January 16, 2026, Al Jazeera reported that at least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza. The killings occurred despite the United States announcing the start of phase 2 of a ceasefire deal. The report, filed by Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum, details the events taking place in Gaza. The article provides an update on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and the situation in Gaza following the ceasefire announcement. The reasons behind the attacks amidst the ceasefire phase were not explicitly stated in the provided information.

Phase two of President Trump's Gaza peace plan faces significant obstacles. A key demand is the disarmament of Hamas and other groups, which Hamas has refused, potentially leading to renewed conflict with Israel. The ceasefire, already fragile with repeated violations and casualties on both sides, is at risk. Unclear is the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal and who will govern Gaza if not Hamas, which won elections 20 years ago. The plan lacks clarity on security, policing, and essential services. An International Stabilization Force involving countries like Egypt, Turkey, and others has been suggested, but details remain vague. Israel insists on maintaining a security presence, indicating a reluctance to fully withdraw.

On January 16, 2026, Israeli attacks in Gaza killed at least three Palestinians, including a 10-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, and an elderly woman. These incidents occurred a day after the U.S. announced the second phase of President Trump's plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The deaths took place in Beit Lahiya and Khan Younis, amidst reports of Israeli military operations and demolitions. Hamas condemned the attacks as a violation of the ceasefire. The violence coincided with a meeting in Cairo of a Palestinian committee formed to prepare for the implementation of the next phase of the peace plan. At least 463 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began.

Following a meeting of a Palestinian committee in Cairo, the White House announced leaders who will oversee the next steps in Gaza. The committee, led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official, aims to improve conditions in Gaza, focusing initially on providing shelter. Shaath anticipates a three-year reconstruction and recovery period after the two-year war between Israel and Hamas. The committee was established to govern Gaza under U.S. supervision. Shaath stated the Palestinian people are looking forward to the committee's work to rescue them. U.S. President Donald Trump supports the group’s efforts to govern Gaza.

Following a ceasefire in Gaza, the U.S. announced a "second phase" involving demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction overseen by an international "Board of Peace" chaired by President Trump. The initiative aims to establish a new Palestinian administration. However, Palestinians in Gaza express skepticism, citing past experiences where external decisions failed to address their realities. They worry that the board will be unable to resolve the ongoing crises stemming from the war, blockade, and occupation, including displacement and limited access to essential services. Gazans desire a return to pre-war conditions but question whether the new board can deliver tangible improvements to their daily lives.

The United States is reportedly set to announce a committee of Palestinian technocrats, led by Ali Shaath, to manage daily affairs in Gaza. The announcement could come as early as Wednesday, coinciding with Palestinian faction talks in Egypt. The U.S. hopes this committee will weaken Hamas's control, which began in 2007, and focus on providing public services with independent Palestinian experts. However, details regarding the committee's composition, administration, and funding remain unclear. Analysts suggest the move aims to demonstrate progress in broader U.S. plans for Gaza, which have faced obstacles, particularly regarding Hamas's disarmament and securing international peacekeepers.