Officials announce that an international governing body for Gaza will be established by the end of the year.

DOHA, Qatar Officials indicate that a global governing body for the Gaza Strip, part of the next stage of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire, is likely to be revealed before the year concludes. The plan, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement, envisions the Board of Peace, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, supervising Gaza's reconstruction under a renewable two-year U.N. mandate.

The board is expected to include around a dozen leaders from Middle Eastern and Western nations, according to sources speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization. In addition, a committee of Palestinian experts will be established to manage Gaza's daily administration in the post-conflict period.

A Western diplomat, speaking from Cairo, noted that the announcement might coincide with a meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this month. The ceasefire deal also provides for an International Stabilization Force to ensure security and enforce the disarmament of Hamas, a central Israeli demand.

The unveiling of these measures represents a key step in advancing Trumps 20-point strategy for Gaza, a region severely affected by Israels two-year military campaign against Hamas. The ceasefire, effective from October 10, has faced challenges, including intermittent violence and mutual accusations of violations. The first stage of the ceasefire is nearly complete, although Hamas has yet to release the final Israeli hostage specified in the agreement.

Discussions continue regarding the nations that will contribute to the international force, with deployment expected in the first quarter of 2026. A U.S. official confirmed that troops could be stationed on the ground early next year. Axios reported the potential announcement on Thursday.

Officials said intensive negotiations with Hamas and Israel will begin immediately, addressing sensitive matters such as Hamass disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas of Gaza still under their control. Funding for reconstruction efforts remains unresolved, and some Palestinians have raised concerns over limited representation and the lack of a firm commitment to future statehood.

Israels government opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, and the current U.S.-brokered agreement only vaguely suggests a potential path toward statehood contingent on certain conditions.

Author: Maya Henderson