| The invitation was extended without consultation with Israel. Israel does not agree. |
“On January 16, 2026, the President of the United States, as the founding chairman of the peace council, sent a letter inviting our president to join the co-founders of the council,” Duran wrote on social media.
He also recalled that the peace council and other bodies being created within the framework of the White House initiative will be responsible for ensuring security and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.
In November, the UN Security Council approved a US-proposed draft resolution supporting Trump's plan to resolve the situation in Gaza. The document was supported by 13 of the 15 Security Council members. Russia and China abstained from voting.
In late December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his readiness to move to the second phase of the Gaza peace deal. In turn, the head of the White House stated that the disarmament of Hamas was necessary to accelerate the process of normalization.
On January 14, White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of the second phase of this 20-point plan. He specified that this phase includes the creation of a transitional "technocratic" Palestinian Authority and a National Committee for Gaza Governance. The American side also intends to begin the full demilitarization and restoration of the enclave, primarily through the "disarmament of all unauthorized personnel."
On January 15, the US President announced the formation of a peace council on Gaza. Trump called the council "the most prestigious" ever assembled. Its members included Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US president's son-in-law, investor Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and US Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.