Nickolay Mladenov

Bahbah said he is in continued contact with members of the Gaza National Committee, describing them as “eager and motivated,” yet limited by a lack of clarity and resources.

"I am pleased to announce the Rafah crossing will open next week in both directions. For Palestinians in Gaza, Rafah is more than a gate. It is a lifeline and symbol of opportunity," Shaath said.

The emergence of a Palestinian technocratic governing committee alongside Trump’s US-backed Board of Peace has triggered sharp Israeli backlash, exposing cabinet rifts and deep unease.

In addition to the Board of Peace, there are other layers of advisors and entities that will be involved in executing US President Donald Trump’s vision for Gaza. But, how will they work?

Trump is expected to announce the composition of the board, an important component of Trump's phased plan to halt the war between Israel and Hamas, this month, possibly as early as next week.

REGIONAL AFFAIRS: For six years, Nickolay Mladenov was the behind-the-scenes official who kept the wheels of a two-state solution moving

"Neither Israel nor the Arab countries will want to ruin the treaty, giving other countries leverage in Israel."

During the five-year period that he has held his office, Mladenov has briefed the UNSC monthly on the situation on the ground.

"For all our collective efforts, the only way forward out of the one-state reality that we increasingly face on the ground is through engagement between the parties and not through violence."

As per KKL-JNF's tradition, the speeches and gifts were followed by tree planting.