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The United States is moving forward with the second phase of its plan to end the Gaza war, despite the fact that key components of the initial phase – including a complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – have yet to be realized.
The first phase has faced notable hurdles, including Israeli airstrikes resulting in hundreds of deaths in Gaza, the continued absence of the remains of one Israeli hostage, and delays in reopening Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt.
As the U.S. and its partners press ahead with phase two, they will confront the complex challenges of disarming Hamas, which has refused to relinquish its weapons, and establishing an international peacekeeping force.
President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the second phase in a social media post, stating it “establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza” and will initiate the processes of disarmament and reconstruction.
According to a joint statement from mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, the Palestinian body will consist of 15 members and be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed palestinian Authority who previously oversaw the development of industrial zones.
‘Board of Peace’
Mr. Witkoff stated that the second phase of mr. Trump’s plan will also initiate “the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel.”
Hamas, which has refused to disarm, agreed in October to transfer governance to the technocratic committee. The method for disarming Hamas, which has regrouped since a fragile ceasefire began in October, remains unclear.
The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank welcomed Mr. Trump’s effort to advance the phased gaza plan, expressing support for the committee in a statement posted on X by Palestinian Vice president Hussein Al-Sheikh.
Mr.sheikh emphasized that institutions in Gaza should be integrated with those run by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank,”upholding the principle of one system,one law and one legitimate weapon.”
Hamas leaders and other Palestinian factions are currently in Cairo for discussions regarding the second phase,where members of the technocratic Palestinian committee are expected to meet with Mr. mladenov,according to the group.
Egyptian sources indicated that talks with Hamas will now concentrate on the group’s disarmament.
Further Israeli withdrawals within Gaza are
