Gaza Enters “Phase Two” of Trump Peace Plan as Hostages Returned, White House Says

Washington, Dec 2025 : The White House announced that Gaza is moving toward “phase two” of President Donald Trump’s peace plan, with officials engaged in careful, behind-the-scenes planning for the next stage of regional diplomacy following the return of nearly all hostages.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the current situation as “a success,” highlighting that ten months into Trump’s administration, discussions about a Gaza peace plan are now a “legitimate reality on the ground.” She credited the progress to Trump’s leadership, stating that “all the hostages were returned — all but one body of the deceased hostages has been returned.”

Leavitt explained that U.S. negotiators are now focused on implementing “phase two” of the peace deal. Key components include establishing a “Board of Peace,” coordinating with the Israeli Security Forces (ISF), and forming a Palestinian “technocratic government” aimed at stabilizing governance in the region. She emphasized that the negotiations have been intentionally low-profile to ensure careful planning and deliberation. “The Gaza Strip is something that people have been trying to accomplish for 70 years,” she said, noting that the goal is to secure an “enduring and lasting peace.”

When asked about U.S. participation in upcoming talks with European and Ukrainian officials regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Leavitt said no decision had been finalized and added that President Trump is “extremely frustrated with both sides.” She also dismissed concerns about a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, saying it is “not concerning to the President at all.”

India, with its large expatriate population in the Middle East and reliance on energy imports from the region, has long prioritized stability in Gaza and broader Middle East affairs. Any shifts in U.S. policy toward Gaza directly influence diplomatic strategies across Asia, including India’s careful balancing of ties with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Gulf states.

Decades of attempts to negotiate lasting peace in Gaza have repeatedly faced setbacks, due to regional power dynamics, Iranian influence, and internal Palestinian divisions. The Trump administration’s “phase two” initiative represents a renewed U.S. effort to shape post-conflict governance and security frameworks in the territory, while maintaining engagement with regional and global stakeholders.

Leavitt underscored that the White House is committed to methodical diplomacy, aiming to build structures that will support long-term peace and stability in Gaza, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to resolve one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.