The United States has expressed its readiness to implement the second phase of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the ongoing military aggression in Gaza, which escalated following the events of October 7, 2023. Although the U.S. has spearheaded mediation efforts between the Zionist occupation forces and Hamas to facilitate this transition, significant conditions from the initial phase remain unfulfilled. Zionist military operations continue to target multiple sectors within Gaza, and the Rafah crossing—the vital link between Gaza and Egypt—remains closed by the occupation authorities despite being a key requirement of the agreement.
U.S. officials have indicated that the composition of the “Board of Peace,” tasked with the governance of Gaza, will be announced in the near future. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, clarified that the board would be comprised of technical experts from diverse fields rather than political figures. The 15-member council is set to be headed by Ali Shaat, a former Deputy Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The board will also integrate representatives from the private sector and non-governmental organizations, with the selection process supported by former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov. It has been explicitly stated that Hamas will have no representation on this board.
Witkoff further asserted that the establishment of this administrative body would coincide with the requirement for Hamas to disarm and the initiation of large-scale reconstruction efforts in Gaza. However, a significant diplomatic impasse remains, as Hamas continues to refuse disarmament as long as Zionist military forces maintain their presence within the territory. It remains uncertain how the United States intends to navigate this deadlock to achieve its objectives.
