Why Palestinians in Gaza see Trump's Board of Peace as 'another form of occupation'

25 snips

Jan 23, 2026

Nagham Zbeedat, a journalist covering Palestinian affairs, and Liza Rozovsky, a Haaretz diplomatic correspondent, delve into the skepticism felt by Gazans towards Trump's Board of Peace. Zbeedat explains that many see it as another form of U.S. occupation, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation that forces acceptance of poor conditions. Rozovsky discusses the reluctance of Western European nations to engage, adding complexity to an already fraught geopolitical landscape. Both guests highlight the absence of Palestinian voices in critical decision-making as a major issue.

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INSIGHT

Basic Needs Trump Political Legitimacy Short-Term

Short-term Gazans might accept non-elected rulers if basic needs and an end to airstrikes arrive.
Zbeedat notes survival priorities can force temporary acceptance of imposed authorities.

INSIGHT

Hamas Respect Doesn't Equal Support

Respect for Hamas in Gaza differs from active support, which has declined during prolonged war.
Zbeedat says continued conflict and failed ceasefires eroded Hamas's backing.

INSIGHT

U.S. Presence Viewed As Occupation

Many Gazans view any U.S.-led force as indistinguishable from Israel due to wartime U.S. support.
Zbeedat warns an American-staffed stabilization force would be seen as 'another form of occupation.'

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Palestinians in Gaza view a future of rule by U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly inaugurated Board of Peace as representing “another form of occupation” said Haaretz correspondent Nagham Zbeedat, speaking on the Haaretz Podcast.

Zbeedat, who covers Palestinian affairs and the Arab world, said that Trump’s vision of an American-led international stabilization force – intended to replace Hamas after it disarms – is likely to be problematic.

American “complicity and cooperation with the Israeli army” during the war means that for Palestinians, “the U.S. is the same as Israel. So any government or group that comes from the U.S. will not be welcomed with open arms.”

In the short-term, Zbeedat said, the desperate humanitarian situation means that Gazans will “accept the circumstances that they are put in, as long as there are no more airstrikes, as long as food is on the shelves, and as long as there is water, shelter, clothes coming in, and medical care.”

But overall, Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are “not excited” about the Trump plan because of the lack of “any Palestinian presence or voice” at the decision-making level.

Also on the podcast: Haaretz diplomatic correspondent Liza Rozovsky discusses the challenges ahead for the new Board of Peace – most prominently, the disinterest of major Western European countries in signing on.

“When you are being squeezed and threatened by the U.S. over Greenland, it is pretty bad timing to be joining a Board of Peace chaired by Trump,” Rozovsky noted. For these countries, “giving up your veto power in the United Nations Security Council and just bowing to Trump is not a very attractive offer.”

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