Published On 16/10/2025
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Last update: 03:47 (Mecca time)
A senior American advisor said that the first phase of the agreement to end the war in Gaza has been completed “with great success” and the transition to the second phase is currently underway, noting the start of the formation of the “International Stabilization Force.” He also made clear that Washington does not believe that the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has violated the agreement.
The American advisor explained, on Wednesday, during a non-video briefing to reporters regarding developments in President Donald Trump’s peace plan in the Middle East, that “the focus in the short term is still focused on calming the conflict to ensure that unnecessary provocations do not occur.”
The advisor, who requested to remain anonymous, added that Washington intends to continue working with the two parties and urge them to exercise restraint and create appropriate conditions for the disarmament of Gaza, he said.
Al Jazeera correspondent confirms the end of the handover process.. Al-Qassam Red Cross hands over the bodies of two Israeli prisoners #News pic.twitter.com/CFPju3zD6q
– Al Jazeera Channel (@AJArabic) October 15, 2025
He pointed out that his country does not believe that Hamas has violated the agreement with regard to handing over the bodies of Israeli detainees so far.
Under the agreement, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli prisoners and handed over 10 bodies, and stressed that returning the remaining bodies would require great efforts and special equipment.
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Wajd Waqfi, the American advisor mentioned that there are countries, including Türkiye, that may send experts to Gaza to help search for and recover the bodies of Israeli detainees.
International force
The American advisor said that the international stabilization force that is supposed to be sent to the Gaza Strip under the Trump plan has begun to take shape.
He added that many countries, including Indonesia, have expressed their willingness to participate in this force.
The advisor stressed that “there is no intention to allow Hamas to have control over any place in Gaza.” He also spoke about the possibility of establishing what he called “safe zones” in light of reports of executions in Gaza targeting groups cooperating with Israel. He said that the idea was welcomed by Israel.
“I think we will manage the matter well in the sector.” President Trump confirms that he does not see any possibility for the US army to intervene in… #Gaza And he urges #agitation To surrender her weapon#News pic.twitter.com/pilsGcaq3J
– Al Jazeera Channel (@AJArabic) October 15, 2025
US President Donald Trump, in statements he made earlier Wednesday, threatened to allow Israel to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas did not adhere to the agreement.
When asked what might happen if Hamas refused to give up its weapons, Trump said, “Israel will return to those streets with just a word from me.”
Governance and reconstruction
Regarding other aspects of Trump’s plan, the American advisor told reporters that the second phase includes establishing rule in Gaza of technocrats, indicating that “the process has begun to find the appropriate people.”
He added, “Successful Palestinians in the diaspora want to participate and believe in the possibility of creating an alternative to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.”
At the same time, the American advisor stated that the reconstruction funds would not go to Hamas-controlled areas.
He added that areas such as Rafah, located behind the Yellow Line – behind which the occupation forces withdrew – may witness a first phase of reconstruction and the establishment of a local security force.
The Israeli occupation army continues to bomb areas in the Gaza Strip from time to time despite the ceasefire being in effect, and not all crossings have yet been opened to bring in humanitarian aid in accordance with what the agreement stipulates.