The United States has announced the start of phase two of President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, according to US envoy Steve Witkoff. The new phase предусматривает establishment of a technocratic Palestinian administration in the territory.
Witkoff stated that the second phase will focus on the full reconstruction and complete demilitarisation of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups operating in the enclave.
He warned that Washington expects Hamas to fully meet its obligations under the agreement, including the return of the remains of the final deceased Israeli hostage. Witkoff stressed that failure to comply would result in serious consequences.
The first phase of the plan, agreed in October, included a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, a hostage-for-prisoners exchange, a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Egypt previously announced the formation of Gaza’s transitional governing body, a 15-member technocratic authority known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
According to the 20-point peace plan unveiled by President Trump three months ago, the committee will operate under the oversight of a “Board of Peace,” which Trump himself is set to chair.
The Gaza conflict began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 71,430 people, according to figures released by Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
This is a developing story, and further details are expected to be released as information becomes available.