Trump to announce transition to Phase II of Gaza deal, 'Board of Peace' by Christmas --> Trump to reveal Phase II of Gaza agreement, 'Peace Council' to be established by Christmas.

According to sources familiar with the matter, US President Donald Trump is anticipated to announce the creation of Gaza's "Board of Peace" and the commencement of the second stage of the US-supported Gaza agreement within the next three weeks. The plan is reportedly well-advanced, with officials aiming for an announcement before the holiday season.

The "Board of Peace" is expected to feature around 10 Arab and Western leaders. It will collaborate with an international executive board, which includes former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and other senior representatives from participating nations. Officials indicated that the core principle of the deal will involve the Israeli Defense Forces withdrawing from Gaza while ensuring Hamas loses governing authority.

Mediators are reportedly negotiating with Hamas to end its control over Gaza and ensure the groups disarmament. Discussions suggest that Hamas would first relinquish its heavier weapons before handing over lighter arms.

The announcement comes shortly after the return of the remains of slain hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak. An Israeli delegation visited Cairo to negotiate the release of the final deceased hostage held in Gaza. The delegation was led by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, the Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, and included officials from the IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad.

This situation continues to develop as negotiations progress.

Analysis: Implications of the Upcoming Gaza "Board of Peace"

The planned announcement of Gaza's "Board of Peace" signals a significant escalation in US-led diplomatic efforts. Bringing together around 10 Arab and Western leaders, along with an international executive board featuring figures such as Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, the initiative aims to restructure governance in Gaza.

Central to the plan is the withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces from Gaza while simultaneously removing Hamas from power. Negotiations with Hamas appear focused on a phased disarmament, starting with heavier weaponry. This indicates a strategy designed to reduce immediate conflict risks while maintaining long-term security objectives.

The timing, aligned with the recent return of hostage remains and ongoing Israeli negotiations in Cairo, suggests the administration is leveraging humanitarian developments to advance the political process. Officials are reportedly targeting an announcement before the holiday season, highlighting both urgency and coordination among international stakeholders.

While the details remain under negotiation, the creation of the Board of Peace and the second stage of the Gaza agreement represents a potentially transformative approach in the region, balancing security, governance, and multilateral cooperation.

Sources:

• Trump to announce transition to Phase II of Gaza deal, 'Board of Peace' by Christmas