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U.S. President Donald Trump plans to announce before Christmas that the Gaza peace process is moving into its second phase and to unveil the new governance structure for the enclave, Axios reported citing two U.S. officials and a Western source directly involved in the process.
The second phase of the deal involves Israel pulling out of more of Gaza, an international stabilization force (ISF) deploying to Gaza, and a new governing structure coming into force, including the Trump-led Board of Peace, according to the report.
One key element of phase one — the release by Hamas of all live and deceased hostages — is nearly complete.
Under U.S. pressure, Israel has agreed to open the Rafah crossing and allow Palestinians to leave Gaza for Egypt. Israel, Egypt and the U.S. are discussing security arrangements that will allow Palestinians to return in the opposite direction, according to Axios. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet President Trump in the U.S. before the end of the month to discuss the next phase of the Gaza deal. Trump told Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday that he expects him to be a "better partner" on Gaza.