Trump Administration Poised to Announce Second Phase of Gaza peace Plan before Christmas
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The Trump administration plans to announce before Christmas that the Gaza peace process is moving into its second phase and to unveil the new governance structure for the enclave, according to two U.S. officials and a Western source directly involved in the process. This move represents a notable attempt to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent a return to conflict.
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza stands as the most significant foreign policy achievement of President Trump’s second term, and his administration is determined to proceed with the second phase to avoid a resurgence of hostilities. While the ceasefire, which came into force on October 11, has largely held, the region remains volatile. Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of 366 Palestinians,and Hamas attacks have claimed the lives of several Israeli soldiers since the ceasefire’s implementation.
Hostage Release nears Completion, Rafah Crossing Opens
A key component of the initial phase – the release of all live and deceased hostages held by Hamas – is nearing completion. However, the remains of one deceased hostage have yet to be returned, prompting an Israeli delegation to meet with Qatari and Egyptian mediators on Thursday to discuss recovery efforts.
Under pressure from the U.S., Israel has agreed to open the Rafah crossing, allowing Palestinians to depart Gaza for Egypt. Discussions are ongoing between
The Structure of Governance
The Trump-led Board of Peace will serve as the highest governing body, comprising approximately 10 leaders from both Arab and Western nations, according to U.S. officials. Reporting to the Board will be an international executive board, including former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump advisors Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and additional senior officials from countries represented on the Board of Peace.
A Palestinian technocratic government will operate under the executive board, consisting of 12-15 Palestinians with expertise in management and business, and without affiliation to Hamas, Fatah, or other Palestinian factions. A source familiar with the vetting process revealed that an initial list of 25 candidates has been narrowed to approximately half that number. Some candidates currently reside in Gaza, while others previously lived there and would return to serve. The U.S. is finalizing consensus with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and regional countries regarding the composition of this technocratic government.
International Support and Hamas Disarmament
Several nations, including Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Turkey, have expressed willingness to contribute troops to the ISF, which will be deployed to areas of Gaza currently under Israeli military control. This deployment is intended to facilitate further israeli withdrawal. The ISF will collaborate closely with the technocratic government and coordinate with Israel and Egypt.
Behind the scenes, the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are engaged in negotiations with Hamas, seeking an agreement for the group to relinquish governing control of Gaza and initiate a disarmament process. The proposal involves Hamas initially laying down its heavy weaponry, followed by the decommissioning of its light arms. While Egypt and Qatar are optimistic about reaching an agreement, Netanyahu remains skeptical, though “committed to give it a chance to work,” according to the Western source.
The Path Forward: IDF Out, Hamas Out of Power
The U.S. and mediators aim to secure an agreement on phase two, endorsed by all regional countries, and then present it to Hamas for acceptance. “The equation will be IDF out of Gaza but Hamas out of power,” the Western source explained. “The big question is will Hamas agree to disarm and allow the new government to take power and govern the place. They can’t be in government directly or indirectly through their weapons.The moment of truth will come in the next few weeks.”
A White House official, speaking to Axios, confirmed that announcements regarding the Board of Peace and the further implementation of the Gaza peace plan are forthcoming in the coming weeks. “The Trump administration and our partners are working diligently to implement President Trump’s historic 20-point plan that will deliver security and prosperity to Gazans and the broader region,” the official stated.
