GHF founders move to shape US-backed post-war administration for Gaza

The Financial Times (FT) reports that key figures behind the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) are playing central roles in shaping a new, US-backed administration for the Gaza Strip.

The GHF, an organization supported by both the US and Israel that launched in May, previously drew international scrutiny following chaotic aid distributions that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians.

According to the FT, a Gaza executive committee—expected to be announced shortly—is being “shaped” by a team known for its close ties to Israel. This committee will operate directly under a “Peace Board” led by Donald Trump.

The architects of this new structure include Roman Gofman, a senior military advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Michael Eisenberg, a US-Israeli investor who has advised Netanyahu since the beginning of the ceasefire process.

Other pivotal figures involved in the planning include Aryeh Lightstone, a strategist with dual US-Israeli citizenship, and Liran Tancman, an Israeli cybersecurity entrepreneur reportedly linked to the Mossad.

All four individuals were founding members of the GHF. The FT report alleges that during the foundation’s six-month presence in Gaza, its operations were linked to the deaths of approximately 2,000 Palestinians.

Reports indicate that Palestinians, forced into cramped zones under the guise of humanitarian assistance, received only limited aid. During these operations, Israeli soldiers and US security personnel reportedly opened fire regularly on civilians seeking relief.

While Trump was scheduled to announce the “Peace Board” this week, the official unveiling has been postponed. However, sources suggest the executive committee operating beneath the board could be announced as early as Wednesday.

Sources speaking to The New Arab stated that invitations have been extended to 18 Palestinian officials to join the committee, which is intended to replace Hamas.

Ali Shaath, the former Deputy Minister of Planning for the Palestinian Authority, is expected to be named chairman of the committee, while retired intelligence official Mohammed Nisman is slated to oversee security.

The committee is reportedly planning to convene in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday. The broader “Peace Board,” to be announced at a later date, is expected to include leaders from 15 nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.

What is Hamas’s stance?

Hamas has repeatedly emphasized its readiness to hand over governance to an independent body composed of Palestinian technocrats as part of a ceasefire framework.

While the group refuses full disarmament until an independent Palestinian state is established, it has expressed openness to an initiative that would involve “freezing” its weaponry for a specified period.

Hamas maintains that the second phase of any ceasefire agreement cannot commence until Israel ceases all violations.

According to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 442 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,200 injured in Israeli attacks since the US-backed ceasefire took effect last October.

The government in Tel Aviv continues to target civilians and track resistance leaders, citing “security threats,” while the ongoing blockade continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Sources speaking to the Times of Israel last week suggested that the Israeli military is preparing plans for a new offensive in Gaza. The reported aim of such an operation would be to expand Tel Aviv’s zones of control, in direct violation of the ceasefire.