US Launches Second Phase of Trump's Peace Plan for Gaza

US Initiates Second Phase of Peace Plan for Gaza

The United States has announced the start of the second phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that this phase will include the reconstruction of territories affected by the conflict after two years of war and will involve the formation of a Palestinian technocratic government.

Witkoff emphasized that the second phase will also focus on the complete demilitarization of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian organizations. "The US expects Hamas to fulfill all of its obligations," he warned, noting among these the return of the body of the last deceased Israeli captive. "Failure to meet these obligations will have severe consequences."

The first phase of the plan was marked by a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in October, accompanied by a prisoner exchange and a partial withdrawal of Israel, as well as increased humanitarian aid. Following the American announcement, regional mediators from Egypt, Gaza, and Turkey praised the formation of the Palestinian Technocratic Committee for Gaza Management, highlighting that it will contribute to stability and improve humanitarian conditions.

The committee, composed of 15 members, will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister for planning in the Palestinian Authority, which controls parts of the West Bank. The transitional administration will be overseen by a Peace Council, chaired by Trump, according to the 20-point plan presented three months ago. Announcements regarding this council are expected in the coming days, including during the president's visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos next week.

Former UN special envoy for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, who has met with Israeli and Palestinian officials, will serve as the council's representative on the ground in Gaza. Additionally, Hamas and its allies from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have agreed to support the formation of the Palestinian technocratic government in a joint statement.

The Palestinian Authority, dominated by Fatah, Hamas's rival, has also expressed its support. Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh stated that “Leader Trump has contributed to creating a new opportunity for peace, stability, and good governance” and urged all factions and segments of Palestinian society to “ensure the success of this critical transitional phase.”

The office of the Israeli prime minister announced that he had a discussion with the parents of Ran Gvili, the last deceased captive in Gaza, emphasizing that the return of Ran is the primary priority.