Trump Announces “Peace Council†as Gaza Plan Enters Second Phase
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A US-backed initiative to end the conflict in Gaza has moved into its second phase with the formation of a “peace council†announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The move follows the establishment of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with administering the Gaza strip after the cessation of hostilities.
US-Led Plan Gains Momentum
The newly formed peace council, expected to be chaired by Trump himself, will oversee the work of the palestinian technocratic committee. According to a statement released via Trump’s Truth Social platform, “It is a great honor for me to announce that THE PEACE COUNCIL HAS BEEN FORMED,†and he further asserted, “I can say with certainty that it is the largest and most prestigious council ever assembled anytime, anywhere.â€
The current plan, wich initially took effect on October 10, facilitated the return of all hostages held by Hamas and brought an end to active fighting with Israel. The second phase also includes provisions for deploying an international stabilization force to Gaza, with a mandate to secure the territory and provide training to selected Palestinian police units.
Key Obstacles Remain
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. A senior leader of Hamas, designated a terrorist institution by the European Union and several countries, stated on Thursday that “The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to give the committee the means to act.â€
For the Palestinians, a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza remains a central demand. While this withdrawal is included within the framework of the overall plan, a concrete timetable for its implementation has yet to be announced. Conversely, Hamas has so far declined to publicly commit to complete disarmament, a condition deemed non-negotiable by Israel.
Ceasefire and Guarantor Nations
The recent ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel was achieved through adherence to a US proposal that involved the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. following the truce, the united States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey formally signed a declaration, acting as guarantors of the peace agreement.
. This international commitment underscores the collective effort to stabilize the region and foster a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Why did the conflict begin? The conflict stemmed from decades of tension between Israel and Hamas, escalating with Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and the taking of hostages.
Who are the key players? Key players include Israel, Hamas, the United States (as mediator and guarantor), egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the newly formed Palestinian technocratic committee and Peace Council. donald Trump is chairing the Peace Council.
What is the current plan? The US-backed plan involves a phased approach: Phase one saw the release of hostages and a ceasefire. Phase two includes the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer Gaza, deployment of an international stabilization force, and training for Palestinian police.
How did it end? The active fighting ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United States, leading to the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The current phase aims for a lasting resolution through governance and security measures, though significant obstacles remain regarding Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament.
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