U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Wednesday the launch of phase two in President Donald Trump’s Gaza strategy.
A technocratic Palestinian body now takes charge of the territory following the October ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. That initial agreement covered hostage swaps, partial Israeli pullouts and boosted aid flows.
The new phase focuses on Gaza’s full reconstruction and demilitarisation, disarming Hamas and other groups. Witkoff demanded full compliance.
“The U.S. expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations,” he warned, including handover of the last dead Israeli hostage’s body. “Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.”
Hurdles remain. Hamas insists on statehood before disarmament as Israel rejects total withdrawal. The truce faces violation claims, with 450 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since, per Gaza’s health ministry. UN reports stress dire aid shortages.
Witkoff hailed the shift “from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction” under Trump’s 20-point plan.
“Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel,” he added.
Egypt, Qatar and Turkey backed the “Palestinian Technocratic Committee to Administer the Gaza Strip” for stability gains. Led by ex-PA minister Ali Shaath, the 15-member group answers to a Trump-led “Board of Peace” with Nickolay Mladenov on site.
Hamas and allies pledged support “while providing the appropriate environment.” PA’s Hussein al-Sheikh called for unity under “the principle of one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon.”