UPDATE - Trump announces formation of 'Board of Peace' for Gaza

ADDS REMARKS BY TRUMP; CHANGES DECK

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump announced Thursday the formation of a "Board of Peace" for the Gaza Strip.

"It is my Great Honor to announce that the Board of Peace has been formed.

"The Members of the Board will be announced shortly, but I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

US envoy Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday that the second phase of a ceasefire agreement had begun as part of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza.

In a separate post, Trump said the next phase of his plan "officially" began.

"As Chairman of the Board of Peace, I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board's High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition.

"These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!" he said.

Trump said a "comprehensive demilitarization agreement" with Hamas will be secured with the support of Egypt, Türkiye and Qatar.