Washington, Jan 15: The United States announced on Wednesday the launch of Phase II of President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan, aimed at transitioning from ceasefire to full demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. The announcement was made by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
“Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction,” Witkoff stated. Phase Two will establish a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begin the disarmament of unauthorized personnel.
Witkoff emphasized that Hamas must fully comply with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage, warning of serious consequences for non compliance. He praised Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their mediation efforts during Phase One, which saw the return of all living hostages and 27 of 28 deceased hostages.
However, the body of Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, the final hostage, remains in Gaza. Israeli authorities, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have insisted that the return of Gvili’s remains is a top priority before Phase II implementation. Talik Gvili, his mother, reiterated that reconstruction and demilitarization actions will not affect ongoing efforts to secure her son’s return.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized moving to Phase II while Gvili’s remains remain unreturned, stating it could undermine leverage and risk his permanent disappearance.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed Phase II, supporting the establishment of the technocratic committee to govern Gaza. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed that an agreement on the members of the transitional government had been reached.
Phase Two marks a critical step in the Trump administration’s efforts to stabilize Gaza, address humanitarian concerns, and strengthen regional coordination while maintaining pressure on Hamas to comply with all obligations.