President Trump’s announcement of the council to oversee Gaza’s administration and its executive committee hasn’t necessarily signaled the actual transition to the second phase of the agreement, according to analysts. The lack of clear authorities, operational mechanisms, and accountability for the council, coupled with the absence of an international stabilization force, raises significant questions.
Trump’s announced council includes prominent figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, son-in-law Jared Kushner, envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The executive committee includes nations like Turkey and Qatar, a composition that Israel has publicly rejected. Israeli media outlets attribute this rejection to the belief that the presence of these countries “rewards Hamas.”.
The core issue lies in the absence of clearly defined mechanisms and authorities for the council, as well as a method for accountability, according to Professor Mahjoub Zweiri, a specialist in Middle Eastern politics. Zweiri stated that the individuals named to the council were already known for their involvement in developing, promoting, and attempting to implement Trump’s plan. The critical question now revolves around the practical execution of this plan.
Zweiri argues that the council’s operational methods, its relationship with the executive committee, and the latter’s relationship with the Palestinian technocratic committee that will manage the sector on the ground, are shrouded in uncertainty.
Consequently, the United States will face considerable pressure to clarify how this council will function effectively on the ground. Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to resist the second phase, perceiving a lack of genuine pressure on his government.
However, Michael Mulroy, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, suggests that Washington aims to play a significant and influential role in implementing Trump’s plan.
