The United States has officially initiated the second phase of its comprehensive peace plan for the Gaza Strip, shifting the focus from a ceasefire to the complex tasks of demilitarization and establishing a new governing body. The announcement was made on Wednesday by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
From Ceasefire to Reconstruction and Disarmament
Phase 2 marks a critical transition aimed at moving "from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction." According to Witkoff, this phase establishes a transitional Palestinian administration called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. The core objectives are the "full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel."
The envoy issued a stern warning to Hamas, emphasizing that the United States expects the group to "comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage." He stated that failure to do so would result in "serious consequences." The hostage in question is Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old Israeli staff sergeant killed on October 7, whose body is reportedly held by Islamic Jihad.
A New Governing Structure for Gaza
The peace plan outlines a new administrative framework for the territory. A "technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee" will be responsible for daily public services and municipal operations. This committee will be supervised by a Board of Peace, which will be chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, the Palestinian Authority announced its support for the technocratic committee. In a statement, it stressed the importance of linking institutions in the West Bank and Gaza to avoid "duplication, division, separation or fragmentation," upholding the principle of "one system, one law and one legitimate weapon."
In a related development, the ceasefire mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—jointly announced the formation of this technocratic committee. They stated it would be headed by Ali Shaath, a senior Palestinian Authority figure, calling it an "important development" for stability and humanitarian improvement in Gaza.
Hamas's Stance and Ongoing Tensions
The announcement comes just days after Hamas, which still controls nearly half of Gaza, indicated a significant shift. On Sunday, the group said it would be willing to dissolve its government in favour of a technocratic Palestinian administration. However, it provided no specific timeline for this action and has a history of rejecting calls to disarm. As of Wednesday, Hamas had not publicly responded to Witkoff's Phase 2 announcement.
Despite the peace process, tensions persist. Also on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by firing on Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza. This incident underscores the fragile nature of the current situation as the complex implementation of Phase 2 begins.
The 20-point peace plan, originally announced in September, called for the release of all hostages within 72 hours and offered amnesty to Hamas members committed to peaceful coexistence, contingent on the return of all hostages.
