Former Dutch Deputy PM Sigrid Kaag Appointed to Trump's Gaza Peace Council
The Hague, Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Sigrid Kaag, who stepped down as Netherlands Deputy Prime Minister in 2024, joins an elite international panel tasked with overseeing Gaza’s postwar reconstruction under Trump’s comprehensive peace plan. The council, announced Friday by the White House, brings together prominent figures including former British PM Tony Blair, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to guide Palestinian interim governance.
Council Structure and Strategic Positioning
The White House announced Friday, January 16, 2026, the composition of multiple interconnected boards that will oversee Gaza’s transition from conflict to reconstruction [1][2][3]. Kaag has been appointed to the Gaza Executive Board, which operates as the operational arm under Trump’s broader Board of Peace framework [2][3]. This executive board includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Director of Egypt’s General Intelligence Agency Hassan Rashad, and Emirati minister Reem Al-Hashimy, alongside Israeli entrepreneur Yakir Gabay [2][3]. The council will provide guidance to the Palestinian interim government, specifically the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which held its first meeting in Cairo on Thursday, January 15, 2026 [1][2][4].
Kaag’s Diplomatic Background and Expertise
Kaag brings substantial Middle Eastern diplomatic experience to the role, having served as UN envoy for the Middle East peace process until July 1, 2024 [1][5]. Her political career in the Netherlands spanned from 2017 to 2024, when she was recruited by the D66 party and served in multiple ministerial roles including Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Foreign Affairs, and Finance [1]. She held the position of Deputy Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024 before resigning from national politics to concentrate on her UN work [1][5]. Her appointment represents continued Dutch involvement in international diplomatic initiatives and leverages her specific expertise in Middle Eastern affairs acquired during her UN tenure [1].
Implementation Framework and Current Status
The council structure operates within Trump’s comprehensive 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, with the Board of Peace serving as the overarching authority chaired by Trump himself [1][4][5]. US envoy Steve Witkoff announced earlier this week the commencement of the second phase of the plan, describing it as “a transition from a ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction” [1][5]. The Palestinian interim government is led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, an engineer and former Palestinian Authority official from Gaza, who pledged to work quickly to improve living conditions for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents [3][4]. Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), bringing experience from monitoring the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon reached in November 2024 [2][5].
Challenges and Timeline Ahead
The council faces significant operational challenges as it moves forward with the reconstruction mandate. Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, nearly 450 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,200 injured, with Palestinians claiming Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire terms [4]. The broader conflict has resulted in over 71,000 deaths and 171,000 injuries since October 2023 [4]. Key upcoming milestones include the Board of Peace meeting scheduled for next week in Davos, Switzerland, and an expected announcement regarding countries offering troops to the International Stabilization Force within approximately two weeks [2]. The White House has indicated that additional members of both the Board of Peace and Gaza Executive Board will be announced in the coming weeks, suggesting the council structure remains in development [1][2][3].