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Friday, February 20, 2026
Board of Peace Gaza envoy announces creation of formal communication channel with PA
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
The Office of the High Representative for Gaza (OHR) announces the establishment of a liaison office by the Palestinian Authority that will “provide a formal, organized channel for communication and coordination between the OHR and the PA.”
“As the link between the Board of Peace and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the OHR ensures all aspects of transitional administration, reconstruction, and redevelopment in the Gaza Strip are carried out with integrity and effectiveness,” Mladenov’s office says in a statement, confirming The Times of Israel’s reporting on the US approval of the channel on Wednesday.
“The OHR looks forward to working with the Liaison Office to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), and build a brighter future for the people of Gaza and the entire region,” the statement from Mladenov’s office says.
The creation of the liaison office is something of a compromise for the PA, which has been seeking to gain membership on the Board of Peace, particularly in light of Israel’s representation on the body made up of world leaders and headed by Trump.
Israel and the US, which controls the Board of Peace, have opposed a more high-profile role for the PA in Gaza, arguing that Ramallah first needs to undergo significant reforms.
At the same time, Jerusalem has withheld several billion dollars in funds that belong to Ramallah, which the PA says has hampered its ability to operate and reform.
The Times of Israel Community.