NextFin News - U.S. President Donald Trump plans to announce the launch of the second phase of his Gaza peace plan before Christmas (December 25, 2025), according to multiple sources including Axios. The announcement is expected to detail the transition from the initial ceasefire agreement towards establishing a governance structure for the Gaza Strip. The development comes after an October 10 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, actively mediated by Egypt, Qatar, the U.S., and Turkey.
This second phase is scheduled to include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and the introduction of a "Peace Council" consisting of about a dozen Western and Arab leaders. The executive committee overseeing this council will feature former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.S. President Trump's special envoy Stephen Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, among others. The plan also encompasses the formation of an autonomous Palestinian government led by technocrats who are unaffiliated with Hamas, Fatah, or other factions. This government aims to manage Gaza's internal affairs under the council’s supervision.
The first phase, which centered on the release of hostages and recovery of remains, is reportedly near completion. Notably, Israeli and Qatari mediators have discussed returning the remains of the last hostage, Ran Gvili. The ceasefire, while fragile, has seen intermittent violence with over 366 Palestinian fatalities from Israeli strikes and casualties among Israeli soldiers from Hamas attacks since October.
Several countries, including Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, and Turkey, have agreed to contribute troops to the international stabilization force intended to maintain peace. Ongoing discussions with Hamas focus on disarmament and reducing Hamas' control over Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with the U.S. President by month-end to discuss these developments.
This initiative reflects a strategic U.S. foreign policy goal under U.S. President Trump's administration to secure a durable ceasefire and transition Gaza towards stabilized governance, averting renewed conflict in the region.
From an analytical perspective, this move addresses several critical conflict resolution dimensions. First, by incorporating international actors and deploying a multinational force, the plan leverages global legitimacy and shared security responsibility, crucial for conflict stability in contested territories like Gaza. The formation of a technocratic Palestinian government seeks to circumvent entrenched factionalism that historically undermined governance and peace efforts, targeting a more neutral and pragmatic administration.
The near culmination of the hostage release phase significantly builds trust among stakeholders, a foundational element for effective peace processes. The involvement of respected figures like Tony Blair and influential U.S. envoys highlights Washington’s commitment to leadership and facilitation, potentially increasing regional and international buy-in.
However, challenges remain substantial. Hamas' willingness to disarm and reduce governance control presents a major uncertainty. Past peace efforts in Gaza have faltered due to insufficient enforcement mechanisms and local resistance. The plan's success will depend heavily on the diplomatic consensus among Israel, Palestinian authorities, regional powers, and the endurance of the ceasefire amid provocations.
Geopolitically, U.S. President Trump’s active engagement reinforces U.S. influence in Middle East peace initiatives, positioning the U.S. as broker in regional security affairs. If successful, this could recalibrate power dynamics and stabilize critical corridors essential for regional commerce and energy supplies, with broader socioeconomic benefits for Gaza’s population, whose humanitarian needs remain acute.
Looking forward, should the deployment of international forces and governance reforms proceed smoothly, the phase two launch might serve as a blueprint for similar conflict zones grappling with factional violence and governance vacuums. Conversely, any lapse might provoke a resurgence in hostilities, risking regional spillover effects.
Economically, peace and security would unlock avenues for reconstruction and international aid flows to Gaza, stimulating localized economic activity and employment—key factors in reducing extremism drivers. Stability is also expected to benefit Israeli security policy by diminishing asymmetric threats from Gaza.
In sum, U.S. President Trump’s announcement of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan embodies a high-stakes diplomatic effort that intertwines military redeployment, international cooperation, and governance reform. Its forthcoming implementation will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of Israeli-Palestinian relations and broader regional stability in the coming years.
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