US President Donald Trump has officially announced the formation of a 'Board of Peace', a central component of the second phase of a US-backed plan to stabilize the Gaza Strip.

Taking to his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump described the body as the "Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled" and confirmed that he will serve as its chair.

While the specific members have yet to be named, the board is designed to provide high-level supervision over a newly formed 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, which will manage Gaza’s daily administrative affairs.

The peace plan, which originally took effect on October 10 to facilitate hostage releases and halt active fighting, is now transitioning into a phase focused on long-term security.

This includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force intended to secure the territory and train Palestinian police units.

Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains fragile; Gaza's health ministry reports that 451 people have been killed by Israeli forces since the truce began, and significant hurdles remain regarding Israel's full military withdrawal and the disarmament of Hamas.

President Trump expressed confidence in the transition, stating that selected Palestinian leaders are "unwaveringly committed" to a peaceful future.

He further noted that the US, with support from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, aims to secure a comprehensive demilitarization agreement that includes the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of Hamas's tunnel network.

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Bassem Naim stated that the responsibility now lies with international mediators to empower the technocratic committee, even as the group prepares for internal elections to rebuild its leadership in early 2026.

Source: AFP