The Trump administration has announced the formation of the Gaza Peace Council, a key component in the implementation of the second phase of its plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The council, comprised of international leaders and figures from the public and private sectors, is intended to oversee the transition of Gaza toward a technocratic governance model and its demilitarization.
A New Framework for Gaza
According to a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump will chair the council. Key members include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Also on the founding executive board are Apollo Global Management director Marc Rowan and advisor Roberto Gabriel. Each member will focus on specific areas, including governance, regional relations, reconstruction, investment, and fundraising.
Alongside the council’s formation, the administration has appointed Major General Jasper Jeffers as commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a UN contingent tasked with ensuring security and disarmament in Gaza. Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov will serve as the high representative for Gaza, acting as a liaison between the council and the new local government.
Governance and Demilitarization
The second phase of the plan centers on establishing an administrative government led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian deputy minister, at the head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. This 15-member committee will be responsible for restoring public services, rebuilding civil institutions, and stabilizing daily life in the enclave. The White House has emphasized that the complete demilitarization of Hamas is essential to the process, though the group has not yet indicated a willingness to disarm.
The Executive Board also includes regional and international representatives, such as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali al Zawadi, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Hasan Rashad, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Rim al Hashimi, Cypriot-Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay, and Dutch diplomat Sigrid Kaag. The White House stated the Peace Council will oversee the implementation of the plan’s 20 points, guiding reconstruction, institutional development, and the mobilization of international resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Gaza Peace Council?
The Gaza Peace Council is intended to oversee the implementation of the second phase of the U.S. plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, focusing on governance, reconstruction, and demilitarization.
Who will lead the new administrative government in Gaza?
Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian deputy minister, will lead the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a 15-member body responsible for restoring public services and stabilizing the enclave.
Is the demilitarization of Hamas a requirement for the plan to succeed?
Yes, the administration has stated that the complete demilitarization of Hamas is an essential condition of the process, although Hamas has not yet expressed a willingness to disarm.
As the plan moves forward, it remains to be seen how effectively the council can navigate the complex political landscape and achieve its stated goals. Will the various stakeholders align their interests to support the transition, or will existing tensions hinder progress?
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