US President Donald Trump plans to announce the launch of the second phase of his Gaza peace plan by December 25, Axios reported on December 4.
According to his sources among US officials, the American leader intends to “announce that the Gaza peace process has entered its second phase by Christmas and present a new structure for the enclave“. Trump is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the end of December to discuss these steps.
According to the publication, the second phase of the plan will include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, the deployment of an “international stabilization force“ and the start of work by structures for the management of the enclave, including the "Peace Council". The portal notes that the key element of the first phase of the plan - the release of all those kidnapped by the Palestinian movement Hamas and the return of the remains of the dead hostages - is almost complete.
According to Axios, the "Peace Council" will include "about a dozen Western and Arab leaders". It will be overseen by an executive committee that will include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, US President's special envoy Stephen Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and several others. The publication specifies that "a Palestinian government, including technocrats, will operate under the leadership of the committee". It will include “12-15 Palestinians with management and business experience and no ties to Hamas, Fatah or other Palestinian parties or factions“.
According to sources, the US is currently “in the final stages“ of coordinating with Israel, the Palestinian National Authority and regional countries on issues related to the formation of this government.
According to the portal, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia and Turkey, among others, have agreed to have their troops participate in the international stabilization force. Representatives of the US, Qatar and Turkey are discussing agreements with Hamas to begin disarming the movement and reducing its control over the Gaza Strip.
On October 9, Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, the US and Turkey, agreed to implement the first phase of the peace plan presented by Trump. The ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on October 10. In accordance with the agreement, Israeli troops withdrew to the so-called “yellow line“, retaining control over more than 50% of the enclave.
Previously, Trump announced that he would chair a “Peace Council“ that would take over the external governance of Gaza during the transitional period. In November, the chief of staff in Washington announced that this structure would include the leaders of “very important and highly respected countries“.