U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the names of world leaders who will participate in the newly formed Gaza Peace Council (GPC) will be revealed early next year.

Speaking to reporters at the White House’s Roosevelt Room during an economic event, Trump emphasized the international interest in the council. “Kings, presidents, prime ministers… all want to be on the Peace Council. This will be one of the most impressive councils ever,” he said.

UN approves council and transitional force

The announcement comes after the United Nations Security Council approved the formation of the council on November 17, 2025. The resolution also authorized a temporary international stabilization force in Gaza, intended to secure the territory and support humanitarian efforts during the transitional period.

According to the UN resolution, the council will act as a temporary administration until the Palestinian Authority completes required reforms and regains effective and secure governance over Gaza. The mandate includes coordinating international funding for reconstruction, supervising humanitarian aid distribution, and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire agreement.

Michael Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, said the council, chaired by Trump, will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire. He added that a government formed by Palestinian technocrats will be established in the next phase, alongside a financial framework to support Gaza’s economy.

Demilitarization and security measures

Waltz also noted that Hamas will be disarmed as part of the process. “This will be done either the easy way or the hard way,” he stated, reflecting U.S. determination to ensure lasting security in the region.

The international stabilization force will work under the council’s guidance and UN oversight. Its responsibilities include protecting civilians, securing humanitarian corridors, and assisting in the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Palestinian authorities.

Regional and international reactions

The announcement has drawn varied reactions across the globe. Several Arab countries welcomed the plan as a constructive step toward stabilizing Gaza, while some Palestinian groups and Hamas expressed concerns over foreign control and potential impacts on sovereignty.

Some permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia and China, abstained from the vote, citing concerns over accountability and the operational framework of the international force. Analysts warn that, while the council may provide a framework for reconstruction and security, its success depends on clear coordination, sufficient funding, and genuine cooperation from all stakeholders.

Next steps

President Trump has indicated that the list of council members will be published in early 2026. Participating countries are currently negotiating contributions to the stabilization force, including troop deployments, security arrangements, and coordination mechanisms with local authorities.

The Gaza Peace Council is intended as a temporary but decisive step toward ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire, enabling reconstruction efforts, and paving the way for a return to effective Palestinian governance. Observers note that while challenges remain, the initiative represents a unique multilateral effort to stabilize one of the most conflict-affected regions in the Middle East. (ILKHA)