Trump makes his ‘greatest’ Middle East announcement | US | News
US President Donald Trump announced the creation of the “Gaza Peace Board”, an important component of the 20-item peace plan that led to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas last October. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared it a “Great Honor” to announce the formation of the board, adding that the names of the members would be made public at a later date.
The “Peace Board” is part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan and will serve as an international transitional oversight body overseeing the transitional management of Gaza during the post-ceasefire reconstruction period. According to the Israeli National News, according to the plan, day-to-day management would be handled by a technocratic Palestinian Arab committee overseen by an interim executive committee.
The “Peace Board” will be chaired by President Trump himself, and approximately 10-15 leaders from Arab, Western and other countries are expected to take part. Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve as the senior representative on the ground in Gaza.
Witkoff announces move to Phase Two
Trump’s post came a day after Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff announced that the United States would now begin implementing the second phase of the Trump administration’s Gaza peace plan. However, the announcement was made despite the fact that the body of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, continues to be held in Gaza.
As part of the ceasefire conditions, Hamas was to return all hostages it held in Phase One, but continues to hold Gvili’s body, claiming not to know its location.
Israel provided critical information about Gvili’s burial place, but Hamas ignored it. The Israeli government remained opposed to the implementation of the second phase before Hamas fulfills all its obligations from the first phase, including the extradition of Gvili.
Trump’s Gaza peace plan leads to ceasefire in October
Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza led to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in October. The “Peace Board”, which serves as an international transitional oversight body that oversees and supervises the transitional management of Gaza during the post-ceasefire reconstruction period, is an important part of the plan.
Witkoff’s announcement to move to Phase Two sparked controversy despite Hamas’ failure to fulfill all its obligations from the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, especially the return of Ran Gvili’s body.
The Israeli government opposes moving to the second phase until Hamas meets all the conditions set out in the first phase.
