International Board, Palestinian Technocrats and Troops Planned Under U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire
An international body charged with overseeing the Gaza Strip in the next phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire is expected to be announced by the end of the year, an Arab official and a Western diplomat told reporters. The authority — reportedly called the Board of Peace and to be chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump — would supervise Gaza's reconstruction under a two‑year, renewable United Nations mandate.
Role and Composition
Officials said the board will include roughly a dozen Middle Eastern and Western leaders. Separately, a committee of Palestinian technocrats will be named to run day‑to‑day civil administration in post‑war Gaza. The list of technocrats is likely to be released when President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet later this month, the Western diplomat said.
International Stabilization Force
The ceasefire agreement also envisages an armed International Stabilization Force to secure Gaza and oversee the disarmament of Hamas — a core Israeli demand. Arab and U.S. officials said discussions are underway about which countries will contribute troops and indicated deployment could begin in the first quarter of 2026. A U.S. official told reporters “boots on the ground” could be a reality in early 2026. Axios first reported the anticipated announcement.
Key Issues and Unresolved Questions
Tough negotiations are expected on the second phase, officials said, notably on disarming Hamas and the staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from roughly half of Gaza they currently control as the international force deploys. Funding for reconstruction remains unclear. Some Palestinians have voiced strong concerns over limited Palestinian representation on the new international body and the absence of firm guarantees that the process will lead to statehood. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government rejects the creation of a Palestinian state; the U.S.‑brokered plan contains only a vague provision that a pathway to statehood could be explored if certain conditions are met.
Rafah Crossing Dispute
Israel announced it plans to reopen the Rafah crossing into Egypt in the coming days to allow Palestinians to leave Gaza, as envisioned by the ceasefire. Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern,” insisting the crossing must operate in both directions so Palestinians who leave can return. Israel says returns through Rafah will be restricted until remains of the last hostages required under the deal are returned. The eight foreign ministers warned against any measures that could amount to expulsion and demanded freedom of movement.
Violence and Human Toll
Violence across the Palestinian territories continues to test the fragile truce. Israeli forces said they killed a man in northern Gaza who was approaching troops and carrying what the military described as a suspicious object. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed another man; the Palestinian Health Ministry said a 38‑year‑old was shot while the military said the individual threw a rock at soldiers. These incidents have raised fears the truce, which took effect on Oct. 10, could be strained further.
The latest Israel‑Hamas war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas‑led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has produced a high civilian toll: the Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 70,100 Palestinian deaths. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas‑run administration and is staffed by medical professionals, maintains records widely cited by international observers.
Reporting for this story included information from Associated Press correspondents in Doha and Jerusalem; some officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.
