The statement also notes that this decision contradicts the official policy of Israel. The reason for such a statement was the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in one of the bodies provided for by the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, as reported by The Times of Israel. Hakan Fidan had previously expressed criticism of Israel regarding its actions in Gaza.
On the previous day, the White House announced the composition of the international "Peace Council" for the Gaza Strip, which will be chaired by Donald Trump. The council also includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presidential special envoy Stephen Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, businessman Mark Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.
In addition, the White House announced the creation of an Executive Council to implement the concept of the "Peace Council." A significant role in this structure will be played by Bulgarian diplomat Nikolay Mladenov, who will serve as a link between the "Peace Council" and the National Committee for the Governance of the Gaza Strip (NCAG) provided for in Trump's plan.
The Executive Council will also include Hakan Fidan, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, Mark Rowan, Qatari diplomat Ali al-Tawadi, and Cypriot-Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay, as well as UAE Minister of International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy and other participants.
According to information from the White House, the National Committee for the Governance of the Gaza Strip will be headed by Ali Shaas, who previously held high positions in the Palestinian National Authority. This committee will focus on restoring civil institutions and improving living conditions in Gaza.
According to an anonymous senior U.S. official speaking to Axios, the "Peace Council" is initiated by the U.S. and is being created without coordination with Netanyahu. "This is our show, not his. We have achieved results in Gaza that no one thought possible, and we will move forward," the source added.
He stated that the White House did not consult with the Israeli Prime Minister, as it considers him "without a voice" in this matter.
The conflict in the Middle East significantly escalated on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel. According to Israeli sources, approximately 1,200 people were killed in the attack, and about 250 were taken hostage and brought to Gaza.
In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and began military actions. According to the Health Ministry controlled by Hamas, about 71,000 people have died in the conflicts in Gaza, and more than 169,000 have been injured; however, the structure does not specify the number of militants among the dead.
In October 2025, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire and supported the peace plan of the Trump administration, which was guaranteed by the U.S., Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt. In mid-January, the White House announced the start of the second phase of the plan, during which the "Peace Council" and the National Committee for the Governance of Gaza were established.
