Cabinet Approves Board of Peace Pilot for Gaza Aid and Reconstruction in Rafah

The Security Cabinet voted Sunday to permit the Board of Peace to launch a pilot restoring basic services, humanitarian aid and shelter in areas of Gaza outside Hamas control, starting in Rafah. The plan calls for temporary housing and screening residents to exclude Hamas affiliates. The first site would be administered by the Palestinian technocratic government with support from the multinational International Stabilization Force, with launch targeted in coming weeks and expansion if successful. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich backed the decision; National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed it, and National Missions Minister Orit Strock led objections.