Nickolay Mladenov

Israel-Gaza hostage crisis and ceasefire

As of May 2026: Pressing Hamas publicly on disarmament; warned ceasefire will collapse without Hamas compliance

Ran Gvili's remains were recovered on January 26, 2026, ending the hostage crisis. Phase Two of Trump's peace plan fell apart by April: Hamas rejected the Board of Peace's disarmament proposal, and the Palestinian technocratic committee (NCAG) has no presence in Gaza. The Board of Peace has pledged $17 billion for reconstruction but has not disbursed a single dollar from its World Bank account.

Updated May 31

Trump's board of peace: a $1 billion seat at a new world order

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: On-the-ground link between Board of Peace and Gaza administration

The United Nations has been the primary venue for international conflict resolution since 1945. On January 22, 2026, President Trump launched an alternative: the Board of Peace, a body he chairs for life where permanent membership costs $1 billion and he holds sole veto power.

Updated May 22

Gaza's first new government in 18 years takes shape

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Overseeing NCAG implementation

Hamas governed Gaza since June 2007, but on January 15, 2026, a 15-member committee of Palestinian technocrats met in Cairo—none affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The next day, Trump announced the Board of Peace's leadership: himself as chair, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK PM Tony Blair, Jared Kushner (his son-in-law), special envoy Steve Witkoff, and others. By January 17, Netanyahu's office had declared the arrangement to be 'not coordinated with Israel and contrary to its policy.'

Updated May 21

Doha draws the blueprint for a Gaza stabilization force—before anyone agrees to send troops

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Named as day-to-day administrator of the Board of Peace; meeting with stakeholders

A Gaza force is being designed like it's real, but the December 16 Doha conference exposed disagreements over mandate and composition—U.S. Central Command convened 40+ countries to plan command structure, basing, and rules of engagement, yet failed to achieve consensus. Italy is the only country to formally commit troops; 15 nations declined and Turkey was excluded at Israel's insistence.

Updated May 15

Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan hits a critical test over who governs and who disarms

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Appointed to lead day-to-day operations of the international transitional authority overseeing Gaza's governance, disarmament and reconstruction

Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel triggered a war that lasted more than two years. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect October 10, 2025. At least 460 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,200 injured since the truce began.

Updated May 10