President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that a new governing body, described as a Gaza “board of peace,” has been established as part of the second phase of a U.S.-supported framework aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

Announcing the move on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed,” adding that the names of those appointed to the body would be released “shortly.”

Trump went on to praise the new panel in sweeping terms, declaring, “I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.”

The announcement follows the recent unveiling of a separate 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee that is intended to oversee the daily administration of Gaza once major combat operations conclude.

According to Trump, that committee will operate under the authority of the newly created board of peace, which he said he will personally chair.

The broader plan also envisions the arrival of an International Stabilisation Force that would be tasked with maintaining security in Gaza and assisting in the training of approved Palestinian police units.

Reacting to the developments, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said Thursday, “The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee.”

The U.S.-backed initiative originally took effect on Oct. 10, leading to the release of all hostages held by Hamas and bringing an end to active fighting between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization in Gaza.

While the second phase of the plan has now begun, it is unfolding amid continued claims of humanitarian aid shortages and sporadic violence.

For Palestinians, a central unresolved issue remains the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, a provision included in the framework but one that lacks a specific implementation schedule.

At the same time, Hamas has declined to publicly agree to full disarmament, a condition Israel has stated is non-negotiable.

Addressing the issue earlier this week, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff wrote on Truth Social that Washington expects Hamas to “comply fully with its obligations.”

Separately, Hamas has begun preparations for internal elections intended to reconstitute its leadership, much of which has been eliminated during the war.

A Hamas official told AFP on Monday that the vote is expected to take place “in the first months of 2026.”

Trump shared Witkoff’s remarks on Thursday and added his own endorsement of the transitional leadership, writing, “These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!”

He also outlined broader regional backing for the initiative, stating, “With the support of Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, we will secure a COMPREHENSIVE Demilitarization Agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of ALL weapons, and the dismantling of EVERY tunnel.”

{Matzav.com}