Leaked draft reportedly proposes legal immunity for Trump-backed Gaza Board of Peace

A leaked draft resolution has reportedly revealed plans to grant broad legal protections to members of the U.S.-backed Board of Peace (BoP),

A leaked draft resolution has reportedly revealed plans to grant broad legal protections to members of the U.S.-backed Board of Peace (BoP), a provisional body established to oversee governance, reconstruction, and security efforts in the Gaza Strip.

According to the reported four-page document, the proposed resolution would provide extensive legal immunity to all members of the Board, shielding them from potential legal action related to decisions and operations carried out during their mission in Gaza. The draft has sparked debate among legal experts, who have questioned the implications of such protections under international law.

The Board of Peace, supported by the United States, is intended to function as an interim governing authority tasked with helping stabilize Gaza and coordinate reconstruction following the territory’s prolonged conflict. The body is said to include officials from the Office of the High Representative, Palestinian technical experts, and international military personnel expected to participate in security and rebuilding efforts.

Legal scholar Emily Schaeffer Omer-Man told The Guardian that the language of the draft appears designed to shield the Board and its staff from legal responsibility for any alleged violations that may occur while carrying out their duties.

According to legal analysts cited in the report, the proposal also grants the Board sweeping authority to take control of public property and infrastructure throughout Gaza if deemed necessary to achieve its objectives. The draft reportedly states that government buildings, facilities, and other public assets could be used without compensation where required for reconstruction or administrative purposes.

Experts have raised concerns that such provisions could create legal uncertainty regarding ownership rights and the protection of Palestinian property. They warned that broad powers over land and public assets could result in disputes over whether property is being lawfully administered or improperly expropriated.

The reported draft has prompted criticism from legal observers, who argue that immunity provisions should not remove accountability for actions taken during governance or reconstruction projects, particularly in areas governed by international humanitarian law.

However, officials familiar with the discussions have strongly rejected claims that the proposal is intended to place the Board above the law. One official described suggestions that the initiative seeks to evade legal oversight as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that the resolution has been mischaracterized.

The same officials also disputed reports suggesting that President Donald Trump would possess unilateral authority to grant or withdraw legal immunity for Board members. They argued that such interpretations are legally incorrect and do not reflect the structure or intended operation of the proposed governing body.

According to those officials, the Board of Peace would operate under clearly defined legal frameworks, with oversight mechanisms designed to ensure transparency and accountability. They maintained that all contractors, advisers, and personnel working under the Board’s authority would remain subject to applicable laws and established operational guidelines.

The reported draft has intensified debate over the legal and political framework surrounding future governance in Gaza. While supporters argue that temporary legal protections may be necessary for officials operating in a complex post-conflict environment, critics contend that any governing authority must remain fully accountable under both domestic and international law.

As discussions continue, the reported proposal is expected to face close scrutiny from legal experts, policymakers, and international observers before any final framework governing the Board’s role in Gaza is established.