Statement on President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict

1/16/2026

Briefings & Statements

View Original

Action Summary

Establishment of NCAG: Formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to execute Phase Two of the 20-point Comprehensive Plan for ending the Gaza conflict, focusing on reconstruction, stability, and long-term governance under the leadership of Dr. Ali Sha’ath.
UNSC Endorsement & Board of Peace: Alignment with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) endorsing the plan; establishment of the Board of Peace, chaired by President Trump, to provide strategic oversight, mobilize international resources, and ensure accountability.
Composition of Executive Boards: Appointment of key leaders to the founding Executive Board (including Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Sir Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel) with defined portfolios in governance, reconstruction, and investment; subsequent formation of a Gaza Executive Board with influential figures to support effective governance.
Strategic Leadership Roles: Designation of H.E. Nickolay Mladenov as High Representative for Gaza to ensure coordination between the Board of Peace and NCAG; appointment of Major General Jasper Jeffers as Commander of the International Stabilization Force to lead security and humanitarian operations.
International Collaboration: Emphasis on a unified U.S. commitment, working closely with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community, with calls for full cooperation among all parties to implement the plan swiftly and successfully.

Risks & Considerations

The focus on international peace and stabilization efforts may influence Vanderbilt University’s international relations and political science programs, potentially requiring updates to curricula to include recent geopolitical shifts and peace-building strategies.
There is a potential risk that heightened US involvement in Middle Eastern politics could impact the university’s international collaborations and student exchanges, particularly with institutions in the region.
Vanderbilt’s research centers focusing on conflict resolution and international development may need to engage with the evolving policies and frameworks outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, necessitating increased expertise and adaptation to new international standards.
The establishment of international boards and committees may offer opportunities for collaborations, funding, and research initiatives, but also pose challenges in aligning university objectives with broader geopolitical goals.

Impacted Programs

The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health could play a role in supporting humanitarian aid and health service delivery strategies, leveraging its expertise in global health initiatives.
The Center for International Studies may see increased demand for analysis and expertise in Middle Eastern politics, requiring updates to academic resources and faculty expertise.
Programs within the Law School focusing on international law and human rights might find new research and educational opportunities, aligning with the legal frameworks and diplomatic efforts of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could explore avenues for educational development and capacity-building in conflict regions, potentially offering programs or partnerships in line with the new governance models in Gaza.

Financial Impact

Vanderbilt University may experience shifts in funding priorities, particularly if federal grants begin to emphasize international peace and development projects. This could present both challenges and opportunities to secure research funding.
Increased geopolitical focus may lead to new partnerships and financial collaborations with international agencies and governments, impacting the university’s financial strategy and resource allocation.
Opportunities for international fellowships and scholarships might expand, potentially increasing Vanderbilt’s attraction to a diverse, globally-minded student body.
Vanderbilt’s involvement in international development and peace-building efforts could enhance its reputation and attract philanthropic support from organizations focused on global stability and humanitarian aid.

Relevance Score: 3 (The plan presents moderate risks and opportunities related to compliance, funding, and academic strategies.)

“`html

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies should explore partnerships and collaborative research opportunities related to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and international governance, leveraging the new developments in the Gaza Conflict resolution plan. Engaging in these areas could enhance the university’s role in global diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor U.S. foreign policy shifts and consider their impacts on research funding and collaboration opportunities, particularly in international development and peace studies. Staying informed can help Vanderbilt align its priorities with national interests, potentially securing funding and partnerships.
Vanderbilt Law School might consider analyzing and engaging with the legal frameworks and international laws influenced by the plan, offering insights that could contribute to thought leadership in international law and diplomacy.
Peabody College can develop educational programs focused on Middle Eastern governance and development, providing students with unique insights and preparation for careers in international relations and conflict resolution.

Opportunities

The executive order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to study governance capacity-building and investment strategies in post-conflict regions, which could inform new curriculum development or research initiatives.
Collaborations with organizations involved in the Comprehensive Plan could position Vanderbilt as a leader in innovative educational approaches to international peace and security.
By hosting symposiums and workshops on the implications of international diplomatic efforts, Vanderbilt can enhance its reputation as a hub for policy dialogue and research.

Relevance Score: 3 (The developments present the potential for some adjustments in research focus and international collaboration opportunities.)

“`

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A

No explicit timeline or deadline for the implementation of the directives was provided in the text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG): This newly formed committee is charged with overseeing the restoration of core public services, rebuilding civil institutions, and stabilizing daily life in Gaza as part of the Comprehensive Plan.
Board of Peace: Established to provide strategic oversight and ensure accountability for the 20-point roadmap for Gaza’s transition from conflict to peace, this board plays a central role in mobilizing international resources and coordinating initiatives.
International Stabilization Force (ISF): Charged with enforcing security, leading demilitarization efforts, and ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials in Gaza, the ISF is a newly appointed force under this directive.
Gaza Executive Board: Created to support the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG, this board will assist in effective governance and the delivery of public services as part of the broader stabilization and development effort in Gaza.

Relevance Score: 2 (Between 3 and 5 Federal/Executive organizations are directly impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

Dr. Ali Sha’ath – As head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), he is responsible for restoring core public services, rebuilding civil institutions, and stabilizing daily life in Gaza.
President Donald J. Trump – Acting as the chairman of the Board of Peace, he provides overall direction and strategic oversight for implementing the Comprehensive Plan.
Executive Board Members of the Board of Peace – Including Secretary Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Sir Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel, who will each oversee specific portfolios related to governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, and capital mobilization.
Senior Advisors Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum – Charged with managing day-to-day strategy and operations, translating the Board’s mandate into actionable programs.
H.E. Nickolay Mladenov – As the designated High Representative for Gaza, he will serve as the on-the-ground link between the Board of Peace and the NCAG, ensuring coordination over governance, reconstruction, and developmental efforts.
Major General Jasper Jeffers – Appointed as Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), he is responsible for security operations, demilitarization support, and enabling the safe delivery of assistance and materials.
Gaza Executive Board Members – Including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Minister Hakan Fidan, Ali Al-Thawadi, General Hassan Rashad, Sir Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Minister Reem Al-Hashimy, Nickolay Mladenov, Yakir Gabay, and Sigrid Kaag, who will support governance and the delivery of services necessary for lasting peace and economic stability in Gaza.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level officials including the President, Cabinet-level figures, and agency heads overseeing significant strategic operations).