The United States is preparing to announce that the Gaza peace process is ready to transition into its second phase, which centers on Hamas' phased disarmament and a new governance structure for the enclave, according to two U.S. officials and a Western source involved in the talks. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make the announcement before Christmas.

The situation in Gaza remains fragile despite the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October. Although the truce has not fully collapsed, Israeli strikes have killed 366 Palestinians and Hamas attacks have killed several Israeli soldiers since it took effect on October 10. Analysts say the U.S. administration is eager to advance to Phase 2 to prevent a return to large-scale violence.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned on Saturday that the ceasefire had reached a "critical moment" and risked collapse unless immediate progress was made toward a permanent peace agreement. 

Speaking at the Doha Forum, he said a durable truce requires a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the restoration of stability and freedom of movement for Palestinians. 

His remarks underscored the fragility of the deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States. While the ceasefire initially halted fighting, implementation of its second stage has stalled over several contentious issues.

Phase 2 includes the disarmament of Hamas, further withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of an international stabilization force (ISF), and the establishment of a transitional governing body known as the "Board of Peace." 

The UN Security Council recently authorized both the ISF and the board. Axios reported that U.S. officials are finalizing plans for both structures, which they hope to roll out within two to three weeks. The composition of the new governing body remains unclear. According to Axios, it is expected to include roughly 10 leaders from Arab and Western countries under a framework overseen by the United States.

Sources say the U.S., Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye are negotiating with Hamas on an arrangement under which the group would step back from governance in Gaza and begin a phased disarmament process. Under the proposal, Hamas would first relinquish heavy weapons before moving to decommission lighter arms.

Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, said on Saturday that the group would give up its weapons only if the Israeli occupation ends. 

"Our weapon is linked to the presence of the occupation and aggression, and if the occupation ends, this weapon will be handed over to the state," he said during an interview with Al Jazeera. But he added that the agreement remains at an early stage and is still under discussion with the factions and mediators.

Hamas has long rejected disarmament, calling it a red line, while Israel insists that Hamas and other Palestinian factions must disarm as a core requirement of the second phase.

Also on Saturday, Hamas leader abroad Khaled Mashal voiced strong opposition to any form of international trusteeship over Gaza, saying Palestinians must govern the territory themselves. 

According to Al Jazeera, Mashal said Israel is attempting "with bullying to make the region submit to its demands," warning that this approach poses "a real danger."

He said that Palestinians must govern Gaza themselves, adding, "We do not accept any form of trusteeship over Gaza."