Washington has kicked off the second phase of President Donald Trump’s ambitious 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. Announced on Wednesday by special peace envoy Steve Witkoff, this stage shifts focus from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.
In a statement posted on social media, Witkoff declared, ‘Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are launching Phase 2 of the plan to end the Gaza conflict.’ He emphasized moving beyond truce to tackling armed groups, establishing interim administration, and rebuilding the war-torn strip.
Central to Phase 2 is the creation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic Palestinian body to oversee daily operations. Full demilitarization targets all unauthorized armed elements operating outside legal frameworks, a critical step toward lasting stability.
Witkoff stressed that demilitarization zeroes in on disarming ‘all unauthorized armed elements.’ This marks a significant expansion of U.S. involvement post-ceasefire. The U.S. demands full cooperation from Hamas, particularly on remaining hostage obligations.
‘America expects Hamas to fully comply with all responsibilities, including the immediate return of the last deceased hostage remains,’ Witkoff stated. He warned of ‘serious consequences’ for non-compliance, though specifics remain undisclosed.
U.S. officials frame Phase 2 as building on Phase 1 successes: historic humanitarian aid delivery, sustained ceasefire, return of all living hostages, and 27 out of 28 deceased hostages’ remains. Regional players like Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar earned praise for their mediation.
‘We express deep gratitude to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made this progress possible,’ Witkoff added. As Gaza eyes reconstruction, this phase could redefine Middle East peace dynamics, with the U.S. leading the charge toward a demilitarized future.