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US Signals New Phase in Gaza Peace Plan as Focus Shifts to Reconstruction and Governance
The United States has announced the start of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s plan to bring an end to the war in Gaza, signalling a shift from ceasefire arrangements to long-term governance and reconstruction.
Speaking on Tuesday, US envoy Steve Witkoff said the new phase would involve the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, alongside efforts to rebuild the territory after two years of devastating conflict. He added that the plan also calls for the full demilitarisation of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas and other armed Palestinian factions.
“The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations,” Witkoff said, warning that failure to do so would bring “serious consequences”. Among those obligations, he noted, is the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage still held by the group.
The announcement follows the first phase of the plan, agreed in October, which saw Hamas and Israel enter a ceasefire. That phase also included a hostage and prisoner exchange, a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid entering the territory.
Egypt had earlier confirmed the formation of Gaza’s interim governing body, a 15-member transitional authority known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. The committee is expected to oversee day-to-day administration during the transition period.
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Under the broader 20-point framework unveiled by President Trump three months ago, the transitional government will operate under the supervision of a so-called Board of Peace, which the plan says will be chaired by Trump himself.
The war in Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken hostage. Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed more than 71,430 people, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory.
While the US has framed the second phase as a pathway to stability and recovery, the scale of destruction in Gaza and the political sensitivities surrounding disarmament and governance mean the plan faces significant challenges.
This is a developing story, and further details are expected to emerge as the second phase of the plan begins to take shape.
Too Long To Read? READ THE SUMMARY:
- The US has announced the start of phase two of President Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
- The new phase focuses on reconstruction, demilitarisation, and the creation of a technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza.
- Hamas has been warned to meet its obligations, including returning the remains of the final Israeli hostage.
- Phase one included a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, partial Israeli withdrawal, and increased aid.
- The war began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and has since resulted in heavy civilian casualties in Gaza.
