Board of Peace members to ‘recalibrate’ at Cyprus resort after rocky first six months

The situation in Gaza has undergone a significant shift, marked by a growing loss of influence for Hamas and the gradual implementation of a complex international effort aimed at stabilizing the territory. According to a confidential source speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Hamas no longer holds the dominant position it once did in Gaza. This change comes as part of broader international initiatives led by the US-backed Board of Peace, which has taken on the responsibility of managing the post-war transition in the region. The source emphasized that Hamas will not be allowed to exercise veto power over the progress being made, signaling a fundamental departure from previous dynamics where the militant group played a central role in shaping decisions affecting the enclave.

The Board of Peace, established in early 2026, has been working on multiple fronts to address the challenges facing Gaza. These include efforts to improve security conditions and revitalize the local economy. Recent reports indicate that the organization has made tangible strides, such as the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which includes contributions from countries like Kosovo. The ISF is intended to assist in restoring stability and facilitating humanitarian aid. A visit by Kosovo’s ambassador to Israel, Ines Demiri, to a base near the Gaza border highlighted the international collaboration underway. She noted the significance of the ISF’s presence and the commitment of participating nations to peace and security.

Despite these developments, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles. Hamas continues to resist disarming, arguing that Israel must first comply with the terms of the October 2025 ceasefire agreement. This stance has stalled critical discussions on reducing the group’s military capabilities, which many analysts believe is essential for long-term stability in Gaza. Meanwhile, the civilian population remains trapped in a precarious situation, with approximately 40% of the territory still under Hamas control. Over two million residents continue to live under the shadow of the militant group, often confined to makeshift shelters due to ongoing restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.

The political landscape surrounding the Gaza crisis has also evolved significantly. The Trump administration’s successful negotiation of a ceasefire and hostage release deal in late 2025 laid the groundwork for the current governance structure. However, the focus has shifted as regional tensions with Iran have intensified, drawing global attention away from Gaza. Despite this, the Board of Peace has persisted, albeit at a slower pace. Its first major gathering occurred in February 2026, marking the beginning of formalized coordination among international stakeholders. Yet, progress has been uneven, with many of the organization’s initiatives stalling due to logistical and political barriers.

One of the most contentious aspects of the Board of Peace’s mission is the challenge posed by Hamas’s continued resistance to disarmament. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a sub-panel tasked with replacing Hamas in governance, has yet to enter the territory, hindered by both Hamas’s refusal to relinquish control and Israeli restrictions on foreign access. This impasse has left the civilian population without effective governance structures, exacerbating existing hardships. Reports suggest that the NCAG has spent considerable time in Cairo, preparing plans and engaging with diplomats, but has not yet managed to establish a physical presence in Gaza.

As the situation evolves, the upcoming meeting in Cyprus represents a crucial step in the Board of Peace’s efforts to recalibrate its strategy. While some participants have expressed concern about the optics of conducting high-level negotiations in a luxury setting amidst widespread suffering, others argue that such gatherings are necessary for maintaining momentum. The meeting is expected to bring together representatives from various bodies within the Board of Peace, including the Palestinian technocrats and the Office of the High Representative, to align objectives and reassess progress. This renewed focus underscores the complexity of the task ahead, as the international community grapples with the dual challenge of addressing immediate humanitarian needs while laying the foundation for sustainable peace in Gaza.