The United States is preparing to announce the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire within the next two weeks, according to a report published Friday (5 December) by the Times of Israel. The move aims to preserve the fragile truce reached two months ago between Hamas and Israel.
Officials say the next phase would include the formation of an interim government to administer Gaza, replacing Hamas’s control. In addition, an international security force is expected to take responsibility for maintaining security in the enclave. A US official told the media that President Donald Trump plans to reveal the names of the countries that will contribute to both the interim administration and the security mission.
Although the list of participating nations is still under discussion, sources indicate that an official announcement regarding the new governing structure may come by the end of the year. However, final approval depends on ongoing negotiations with Hamas and key mediators such as Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Hamas has agreed to hand over administrative authority to an interim government made up of Palestinian technocrats but has rejected the idea of transferring power to the proposed “Board of Peace,” which reportedly includes controversial figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Despite the earlier ceasefire, Hamas has quietly reasserted control over parts of Gaza in recent weeks. The group has also stated that it will not surrender its defensive weapons as long as Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory continues, calling such arms “a legitimate right.”
