Deep Dive: Palestinians in Gaza express deep skepticism toward first 'Board of Peace' meeting

The source article highlights a specific reaction from Palestinians in Gaza to the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” (an unidentified entity presumably involved in peace initiatives), underscoring deep skepticism rooted in fears that it entrenches occupation dynamics. From a geopolitical lens, Gaza's position as a densely populated enclave under blockade since 2007 shapes such responses, where any new board or forum is scrutinized for alignment with Israeli security interests or international mediation efforts like those historically led by the Quartet (UN, US, EU, Russia). The skepticism reflects broader power asymmetries in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where local actors perceive external or joint boards as mechanisms to legitimize status quo control rather than advance sovereignty. As international affairs correspondents, we note the cross-border ripples: reactions in Gaza influence diaspora communities in Jordan, Lebanon, and Europe, potentially straining EU-Arab relations or US aid debates in Congress. Key actors include Palestinian factions in Gaza (likely Hamas-influenced given control since 2007) whose strategic interest is resistance to perceived normalization, versus Israeli leadership seeking security guarantees, and international backers aiming for de-escalation amid regional tensions with Iran-backed groups. Cultural context in Gaza emphasizes sumud (steadfastness), a historical ethos from 1948 Nakba onward, framing new initiatives as continuations of dispossession rather than peacebuilding. Regionally, this fits patterns of failed accords like Oslo (1993), where interim bodies morphed into prolonged occupation tools, affecting neighbors like Egypt (border control) and Israel (Gaza envelope communities). Implications extend to global south solidarity movements, impacting trade boycotts or UN resolutions. Outlook remains tense: without addressing core issues like blockade lift or settlements, such boards risk deepening divides, with humanitarian crises (ongoing since October 2023 escalation) amplifying voices of doubt.