The United States is preparing to announce that the Gaza peace process is ready to shift into Phase 2, focusing on Hamas' phased disarmament and a new governance structure for the enclave. President Donald Trump is expected to make the announcement before Christmas.
The ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas on October 10 this year has largely held, though Israeli strikes have killed 366 Palestinians and Hamas attacks have claimed the lives of several Israeli soldiers. U.S. officials say moving to Phase 2 is crucial to prevent a large-scale return to violence.
On December 6, at the Doha Forum, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned the truce is at a "critical moment" and risks collapse without progress toward a permanent peace. He called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the restoration of stability and freedom of movement for Palestinians.
Phase 2 outlines the disarmament of Hamas, further Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of an international stabilization force (ISF), and the establishment of a transitional governing body known as the "Board of Peace." The UN Security Council has authorized both the ISF and the board.
Sources tell Axios that U.S., Qatari, Egyptian and Turkish officials are finalizing plans for these structures, aiming to roll them out within two to three weeks. The board is expected to include around ten leaders from Arab and Western countries under a U.S.-led framework.
Talks with Hamas would see the group relinquish heavy weapons first, then lighter arms. Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, said on December 6, "Our weapon is linked to the presence of the occupation and aggression, and if the occupation ends, this weapon will be handed over to the state." He noted that discussions are still in an early stage.
Also on December 6, Khaled Mashal, a senior Hamas leader abroad, voiced strong opposition to any form of international trusteeship over Gaza, saying, "We do not accept any form of trusteeship over Gaza." Hamas insists Gaza residents must govern the territory themselves.
As the United States pushes for Phase 2, the coming weeks will test whether this roadmap can transform a fragile truce into lasting peace.
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U.S. seeks move to Phase 2 as Hamas signals willingness to disarm
cgtn.com
