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WASHINGTON, DC, US (DEC. 11, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY KAROLINE LEAVITT SPEAKING (English) WASHINGTON, DC, US - DEC. 11, 2025: The White House said Thursday, Dec. 11, that preparations for the Gaza Peace Council are moving forward and that formal announcements will be made “at the appropriate time,” amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving regional and international partners.

Speaking at a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to provide a specific date for when the council’s members would be announced, despite President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks suggesting the unveiling would come in early 2026.

Leavitt said US negotiators on the ground were engaged in “sensitive and intensive work” with relevant countries and representatives, noting that the planning process for the second phase of a Gaza peace agreement was being carried out quietly behind the scenes.
“Because this is an extremely complex and sensitive situation, the United States, the Peace Council, the ISF, and the Palestinian technocratic government will make announcements only when all parties are prepared,” she said.

The spokesperson emphasized that the administration aims for a durable and long-term peace in Gaza, describing the effort as part of a decades-long quest to end instability in the region.
“Peace in the Gaza Strip is something people have sought for 70 years,” she said. “This administration wants to approach it with great care.”

President Trump said Monday that the Gaza Peace Council would be composed of top international figures and that the full lineup of members would be announced early next year. The council is a key element of the 20-point peace plan unveiled by Trump on Oct. 9, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council on Nov. 18.

According to the plan, the Peace Council will play a central coordinating role in overseeing both the cease-fire and reconstruction phases in Gaza. US officials have said the membership structure, aside from Trump as council chair, is likely to be finalized in the first weeks of the new year.