A newly published Board of Peace road map includes plans for an International Verification Committee that had not previously been disclosed or coordinated with Israel, Israeli journalist Ariel Kahana reported.

According to the document, the committee would oversee Hamas’ disarmament, allow extensions to the disarmament and demilitarization process, and broadly monitor developments in Gaza.

The proposed body did not appear in the 20-point plan that led to the end of the war last October or in earlier documents issued by the Board of Peace. Israeli officials were reportedly surprised and angered after learning that Turkey and Qatar were expected to participate in the new committee.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly blocked attempts by the two countries to gain a role in governing Gaza. Israeli diplomatic officials now view the committee as another effort by Turkey and Qatar to enter the process through the back door.

Kahana reported that Netanyahu included Israel’s objection to the participation of the two countries in a letter he sent President Trump regarding the road map. The objection was reportedly one of three issues raised in the letter.

The Board of Peace said Turkey and Qatar would serve as guarantors on the International Verification Committee but would not hold decision-making authority, which would remain with the United States.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)