In a significant development in the ongoing Middle East peace efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN envoy, as the director-general for the proposed United States-led “board of peace” in Gaza. This initiative comes in the context of President Donald Trump’s ambitious 20-point plan, which aims to bring stability to the region, highlighting an evolving geopolitical landscape where international cooperation and diplomacy are increasingly vital.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that former United Nations Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will assume the role of director-general for a proposed United States-led “board of peace” in Gaza. This announcement followed a meeting between Netanyahu and Mladenov in Jerusalem and represents a pivotal component of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to facilitate an end to the conflict impacting Gaza and its residents.
The plan, which has been designed to bring about a ceasefire and lasting peace, gained momentum with a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas in October, though hostilities have continued. Reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicate that since the ceasefire began on October 11, 2025, at least 425 Palestinians have lost their lives due to ongoing Israeli military actions.
Netanyahu’s office also emphasized the centrality of Mladenov’s role, stating that he is to serve as the Director General of the proposed “Peace Council” in Gaza. This initiative aims to oversee the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government, the disarmament of Hamas, and the deployment of an international security force in tandem with the reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to years of conflict.
Trump is anticipated to announce further appointments to the board in the coming week, according to Axios, a news outlet that has cited various US officials regarding developments related to the issue. Countries expected to join the board include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye, underscoring a broad coalition of international players engaged in promoting peace in the region.
Mladenov, who previously served as Bulgaria’s defense and foreign minister, has extensive experience in the Middle East, having held the position of UN envoy to Iraq before his appointment as the UN Middle East peace envoy from 2015 to 2020. During his tenure, he established positive working relationships with Israeli officials and actively sought to alleviate tensions between Israel and Hamas, positioning him as a pragmatic choice to lead efforts aimed at achieving stability in Gaza.
This appointment not only signifies a step towards peacemaking but also highlights the collaborative efforts of various nations in building a future centered on dialogue and understanding amid ongoing challenges.
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