Washington, D.C. — In a closed press briefing attended by a limited number of journalists, including Al Jazeera Net, two senior White House advisers revealed new details about U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan, as the first phase concludes and the second phase officially begins.
The advisers — who requested anonymity — agreed that the first phase of the agreement “succeeded and was completed appropriately,” marking the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the “yellow line”, a ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of Palestinian and Israeli prisoners.
“There’s still little trust between the parties,” one adviser said. “That’s why President Trump worked intensely with mediators to make this success possible.”
Phase Two Priorities
The advisers highlighted several core priorities for Phase Two, including:
- Preventing provocations and renewed conflict;
- Ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid;
- Recovering remaining bodies and returning them to families;
- Establishing a roadmap for Hamas disarmament.
- Setting the framework for a multinational stabilisation force;
- Preparing Gaza’s land for reconstruction and debris removal, including the clearance of unexploded ordnance.
They also confirmed ongoing coordination between the United States, the United Nations, and Israel to ensure continuous aid delivery.
“Unimaginable Conditions” Inside Gaza
One adviser described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and beyond imagination.” Having visited the enclave twice, he compared the destruction to “something out of a movie.” He noted the grave danger of unexploded munitions and said that daily situation assessments are being conducted.
He added that Washington is working through regional mediators, Hamas, and the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), with countries like Turkey possibly sending specialized rescue and recovery teams with experience in earthquake zones to help locate and retrieve bodies buried under the rubble.
Another adviser revealed plans for a reward program encouraging Gaza residents to help identify body locations, based on U.S. intelligence data regarding deaths and injuries.
“We’re optimistic,” he said. “More bodies are being recovered every day. We’re coordinating with Arab intermediaries in contact with Hamas, and we won’t stop until every body is returned to its family.”
Disarmament and Reconstruction
The advisers reaffirmed that Gaza will be demilitarized under Trump’s twenty-point plan.
“Reaching that goal is extremely difficult,” one said. “We’re charting a path that ensures everyone’s security, but it’s unrealistic to expect people to surrender weapons overnight. Some Hamas members fear internal retaliation. The dynamics are complex, but Arab mediators and Hamas have expressed a willingness to keep working toward a solution.”
The U.S. is now focused on basic stabilization and the formation of an international peacekeeping force, with ongoing talks deemed “positive overall.”
“We see no signs of either side abandoning the deal,” one adviser added. “There may be obstacles after two years of war, but we’ll continue urging restraint and working toward disarmament in a way that doesn’t threaten Israel or its citizens.”
When asked about CENTCOM’s statement condemning Hamas’s internal actions, the adviser said Washington was pressing through mediators for a halt to such operations and working with Israel to create safe zones behind the yellow line.
He stressed that U.S. reconstruction funds will not go to areas under Hamas control — the initial rebuilding phase will focus on zones cleared of Hamas, such as regions beyond the yellow line, including Rafah, where local security and civilian administration will oversee projects.
Technocratic Palestinian Governance
Looking ahead, the advisers stated that Phase Two envisions the establishment of a “non-political, technocratic Palestinian administration.”
They declined to discuss the long-term political future of Gaza, saying that the focus now is on stability, security, and economic recovery rather than political terminology.
“Phase Two calls for a technocratic Palestinian governance structure — not a political one,” said the first adviser. “The goal is to avoid getting lost in definitions and instead prioritise practical progress and security.”
When asked whether Palestinian autonomy or sovereignty is part of the discussion, he replied:
“We’ll stick to the plan as written. The first phase went well. Now, the goal is to deliver a non-political governance model. Once conditions improve, broader discussions can take place.”
The adviser noted that many Palestinians, including qualified professionals from the diaspora, have expressed interest in helping build an alternative to both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, seeking leadership free from corruption and nepotism.
International Involvement and U.S. Role
The two advisers confirmed ongoing consultations with countries such as Indonesia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Turkey regarding participation in the stabilization force.
They clarified that the U.S. role will be primarily coordinative and supervisory, noting that around 20 American personnel are already on the ground performing non-combat, logistical roles.
Both advisers concluded that neither side is currently violating the agreement, though implementation remains complex and fragile.
“It’s a complicated process,” one said, “but all parties remain committed to maintaining stability and moving forward.”
