US President Donald Trump intends to announce, before Christmas in approximately three weeks, the transition to the second phase of the agreement to end the war in Gaza and establish a new governing body for the Strip, according to American officials.
With the first phase of the agreement almost fully implemented, the United States wants to move to the second phase to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire and a return to fighting.
Senior US officials told Axios that they are in the final stages of forming the international force and the new governance framework for Gaza, and they hope to launch both within two to three weeks.
A Western source directly involved in the process said, “All elements are at a relatively advanced stage. Everything is progressing, and the goal is to announce it before the Christmas holiday.”
American officials said the governing authority in Gaza will operate under the umbrella of a “Peace Council” chaired by President Trump and composed of around ten leaders from Arab and Western countries.
Within the Peace Council, an international steering committee will operate, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials from member states of the council, according to the site.
Within the executive committee, a Palestinian technocratic government will operate, consisting of 12 to 15 Palestinians experienced in administration and business, who do not belong to Hamas, Fatah, or any other Palestinian faction.
Axios reported, citing a source familiar with the selection process, that the initial list included 25 candidates, which was later reduced by half. Some of the candidates currently reside in Gaza, while others lived there previously and will return to participate in the new government.
The United States is currently in the final stages of obtaining approval from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and countries in the region regarding the formation of the technocratic government.
According to the report, the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) will work alongside the Palestinian technocratic government. Countries that have expressed readiness to send forces, such as Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Turkey, remain prepared to do so.
The international force is expected to be deployed in areas of Gaza currently under Israeli army control. Senior US officials stated that deploying the force would allow for further Israeli military withdrawals from these areas.
American officials and other sources confirmed that the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are negotiating with Hamas on an agreement under which the movement would withdraw from governing Gaza and begin a disarmament process, starting with heavy weapons and then light weapons.
The Western source directly involved in the talks told Israel’s Channel 12 that Egypt and Qatar are optimistic about reaching an agreement with Hamas, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears more sceptical. The source added, “He is sceptical, but he is committed to giving success a chance.”
The United States and the mediators want all pieces of the puzzle assembled and an agreement secured with all relevant states before presenting the plan to Hamas and demanding its acceptance.
The Western source added that “the equation will be as follows: the Israeli army leaves Gaza, and Hamas leaves power.”
He explained, “The key question is whether Hamas will agree to disarm and allow the new government to govern and administer the Strip. They cannot come to power directly or indirectly through their weapons. The moment of truth will come in the coming weeks.”
A senior White House official said that announcements related to the Peace Council and further implementation of the Gaza peace plan will be made in the coming weeks.
The senior official added, “The Trump administration and our partners are working hard to implement President Trump’s historic 20-point plan, which will bring security and prosperity to the people of Gaza and the entire region.”
For his part, the head of the Arab Americans for Peace Committee, Bishara Bahbah, expressed hope that the announcement of the Gaza Peace Council and the committee tasked with administering the Strip will be made before the end of the current year.
Bahbah said on his Facebook page, “We all hope that, before the end of this year, the Peace Council for Gaza will be announced, along with the names of the independent Palestinian committee to administer the Strip, in addition to the members of the international deterrence or peace force.”
He continued, “We seek to ensure the start of a real and effective ceasefire, without the near-daily Israeli violations, at the beginning of the new year.”
Bahbah added, “President Donald Trump is serious about establishing peace in the Gaza Strip and about the commencement of practical, tangible reconstruction efforts on the ground.”
