Displaced Palestinians shelter at a tent camp in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, July 21, 2026. (Credit: Ramadan Abed)
BEIRUT — The restricted Israeli security cabinet on Sunday approved the entry into the Gaza Strip of the “Peace Council” established by U.S. President Donald Trump, nearly nine months after its creation, according to Israeli media reports.
The body, tasked with overseeing the administration of the devastated enclave, was established as part of Trump’s 20-point plan, which included a theoretical “cease-fire” in Gaza. Since then, more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.
The announcement came ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled trip to Washington, where he is expected to meet with Trump following two weeks of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. According to Haaretz, only far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against the decision.
Several weeks ago, Aryeh Lightstone, a senior adviser to the "Peace Council," sent a letter to Netanyahu’s office outlining several demands aimed at advancing the Gaza plan, including approval for a multinational stabilization force to enter a limited area near Rafah.
Under the 20-point plan, governance of Gaza in areas where Hamas is no longer present would be transferred to a Palestinian technocratic committee, which has already announced its formation and readiness to begin operating in the enclave. In early July, Hamas announced the dissolution of its governing institutions after ruling Gaza since 2007.
In February, the committee began recruiting new police officers to help maintain order in Gaza. However, the recruits have yet to receive authorization to leave the enclave for training in Egypt or Jordan.
The plan also calls for Israel to withdraw from areas transferred to the international stabilization force, even without Hamas’ prior disarmament — a provision Israel has strongly opposed. Instead, Israel has continued its military presence in Gaza, where it now controls nearly 70% of the territory, according to the text.
