An Unlikely Interview

In a candid conversation with Marc Lamont Hill, Gaza‑born writer and political analyst Jehad Abusalim unpacked the buzz around former President Donald Trump’s newly announced “Board of Peace.” The discussion, recorded last week, provides a rare glimpse into how Gaza’s own intellectuals view the United States’ latest diplomatic overture.

What Is the ‘Board of Peace’?

Trump’s team has proposed a multinational panel – the so‑called Board of Peace – to mediate the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. Official statements paint it as a fresh, neutral forum that will “bring lasting security to the region.” Yet, as Abusalim points out, the board is being assembled by a former commander‑in‑chief with a track record of polarizing Middle‑East policies. The board’s composition, funding, and mandate remain vague, prompting skepticism among Palestinians who fear it could become a “talk‑shop” rather than a peace‑maker.

Abusalim’s Take on the Board’s Credibility

“Any peace effort that starts with a unilateral declaration by an outsider, without the consent of both sides, is built on sand,” — Jehad Abusalim

Abusalim stressed that genuine peace must start from the ground up. He warned that a board created in Washington, without meaningful representation from Gaza, the West Bank, or even Israeli civil society, risks being a propaganda tool. He also highlighted the danger of “peace‑by‑paper” – agreements that exist only on diplomatic parchment while daily life in Gaza remains under siege.

Why Gaza’s Future Hangs in the Balance

For the 2 million people living in Gaza, the board’s promises are more than symbolic. The enclave suffers from a crippling blockade, intermittent wars, and a collapsed economy. Abusalim explained that any credible peace plan must address

1. Humanitarian access – unrestricted entry of food, medicine, and reconstruction materials.
2. Reconstruction funding – transparent, internationally‑monitored projects to rebuild homes and infrastructure.
3. Political autonomy – a clear path toward Palestinian self‑governance, not just a cease‑fire.

Without these pillars, Abusalim argues, the board will simply “re‑package the status quo.”

The Role of International Actors

Abusalim noted that while the United States can play a facilitating role, true multilateralism requires the involvement of the European Union, Arab League, and United Nations. He cautioned against a U.S.–centric approach that might alienate regional partners and diminish the board’s legitimacy.

Hope or Hype?

When asked whether there is any glimmer of hope, Abusalim’s tone softened. He recalled previous peace initiatives that faltered but ultimately paved the way for future dialogue. “If the board insists on real, enforceable commitments – and if the international community holds it accountable – then it could be a stepping stone,” he admitted. “But the moment it becomes a photo‑op, we lose another generation’s trust in diplomacy.”

What Comes Next?

The interview concluded with a call to action: Palestinian civil society must stay vigilant, demand transparency, and push for representation at the negotiating table. Meanwhile, global audiences should monitor the board’s composition and agenda, ensuring that it does not become another footnote in the long, painful saga of the Gaza conflict.

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Why This Matters

The “Board of Peace” is poised to shape narratives about the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict for years to come. By amplifying voices like Abusalim’s, the world gains a clearer picture of what true peace could look like – and where it might fall short.

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Marc Lamont Hill’s interview with Jehad Abusalim was aired on his podcast "The Hill Show" on February 13, 2026.