Trump to announce transition to Phase II of Gaza deal, 'Board of Peace' by Christmas - Axios

US President Donald Trump is expected to announce Gaza's "Board of Peace" and the transition to the second phase of the US-backed Gaza deal in the next three weeks, Axios reported on Thursday, citing two US officials and a Western source familiar with the details. "All of the different elements are pretty well advanced. It's all moving ahead, and the aim is to announce it before people break for the holidays," Axios reported, citing the Western source.

The "Board of Peace" will reportedly include approximately 10 Arab and Western leaders and will work alongside an international executive board composed of former British prime minister Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials from contributing countries.

"The equation will be IDF out of Gaza but Hamas out of power," Axios cited the Western source as saying. "The moment of truth will come in the next few weeks." Mediators are attempting to reach an agreement with Hamas regarding ending its governance of the Gaza Strip and its disarmament, according to Axios. The current discussion will reportedly have the terror group lay down its heavy arms first, and only afterward call for the group's handover of its lighter weapons.  (Ed note: Any guesses on how President Trump is going to handle it when Hamas starts shooting at his construction workers?)    (Read More)