17.01.2026 07:20
The members of the Gaza Peace Council and the Executive Committee, which are the top structures that will implement the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, have been announced. The Executive Committee includes Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair, as well as Hakan Fidan. It was also officially announced that the committee, composed of Palestinian technocrats, is headed by Palestinian Minister Ali Shaat.
The White House announced the president of the "Gaza Administration National Committee," which will manage the transition process with the members of the "Peace Council" established as an important part of the second phase of the ceasefire process in Gaza.
In a statement from the White House, it was emphasized that the second phase has begun, referencing President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
The statement announced that the Gaza Administration National Committee has been established as an important part of this phase, and Dr. Ali Shaath, the former Deputy Minister of Planning of the Palestinian Authority, will chair the committee.
The White House highlighted that Shaath will work in the areas of "re-establishing public services, rebuilding civil institutions, and stabilizing daily life in Gaza," while also laying the groundwork for long-term governance.
"PEACE COUNCIL" MEMBERS ANNOUNCED
The White House announced the names of members who will serve in various fields in the Peace Council chaired by Trump.
The Peace Council, announced under the name of the Founding Executive Board, includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's Special Representative Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law and former senior advisor Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel.
FOREIGN MINISTER FIDAN IN GAZA EXECUTIVE BOARD
The statement expressed that a new board named "Gaza Executive Board" has been established to comprehensively support all activities in governance and services in Gaza.
The board includes Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Trump's Special Representative Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law and former senior advisor Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, UAE Minister of International Cooperation Reem Al-Hashimy, experienced Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Marc Rowan, Nickolay Mladenov, Yakir Gabay, and Sigrid Kaag.
NICKOLAY MLADENOV TO BE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR GAZA
On the other hand, former UN Special Representative for the Middle East Nickolay Mladenov will serve as the High Representative for Gaza.
In this role, Mladenov will take on the task of field liaison between the Peace Council and the Gaza Administration National Committee. Mladenov will support the oversight of Gaza's governance, reconstruction, and development while ensuring coordination between civil and security areas.
According to the White House statement, Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed as the Commander of the International Stability Force (ISF).
SECOND PHASE OF TRUMP'S GAZA PLAN
The second phase of Trump's 20-point Gaza Peace Plan aims for Hamas to disarm, rebuild Gaza from scratch, and transfer daily governance to a Palestinian technocratic committee under international supervision.
Accordingly, a massive reconstruction effort is expected to be launched, estimated to cost more than $70 billion by the United Nations.
SIX CRITICAL POINTS IN THE SECOND PHASE
The second phase of Trump's peace plan includes six critical points;
1- Gaza Peace Council
It is defined as a temporary delegation aimed at preparing the political and security ground to complete Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and implement disarmament arrangements.
2- Additional withdrawal of Israel from Gaza
It is planned for the Israeli army to make additional withdrawals by ending its ongoing occupation of the southern and eastern strips of Gaza and the vast areas in the north. The Israeli army currently occupies more than 50% of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from areas under its control without progress on disarming Hamas. The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper claimed that Tel Aviv is preparing for a military intervention to enforce disarmament if Palestinian groups refuse.
3- Disarmament of Palestinian groups
While Hamas has stated that it is ready to transfer its responsibilities, it maintains its stance on preserving its armed power. The group states that it is open to any proposal that guarantees the establishment of a Palestinian state and protects this right.
4- Gaza Administration National Committee
Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar expressed their satisfaction in a joint statement released on Wednesday regarding the establishment of a technocratic Gaza Administration National Committee composed of Palestinian officials, chaired by Ali Shaath, to manage the Gaza Strip during the transition period.
The committee, composed of Palestinians, is said to manage civil affairs and essential services in areas where the Israeli army has withdrawn. The draft resolution adopted by the UN Security Council on November 18 envisions that Gaza will be governed by a temporary Palestinian government composed of independent technocrats under the supervision of the Gaza Peace Council led by Trump.
5- Reconstruction of Gaza
A large-scale reconstruction process is aimed at being initiated in Gaza, where 90% of the civil infrastructure has been destroyed due to Israeli attacks. The UN estimates the cost of this reconstruction at approximately $70 billion.
The status of the Rafah Border Crossing remains uncertain within the scope of reconstruction efforts. While Witkoff did not make a statement regarding the opening of the border crossing, Israeli media claims that Netanyahu is using the issue of the border crossing as leverage for the last Israeli captive Ran Gvili, whose body was found in Gaza.
6- International Stability Force
The U.S. is continuing its efforts to establish an "International Stability Force" to ensure stability in Gaza. It is reported that Washington has reached agreements with at least three countries (Italy, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Azerbaijan) to form this force. According to the UN Security Council resolution, this force is required to operate until the end of 2027.
Palestinian groups that came together in Cairo at the invitation of Egypt stated in a joint announcement that they support the efforts to establish a "Gaza Administration National Committee" to manage Gaza. The groups called on the Gaza Peace Council to "pressure Israel to stop its attacks on the Palestinian people," demanding the opening of border crossings, the entry of aid, and the complete withdrawal of Israel.