Trump administration announces start of second stage of Gaza peace plan
Photo: Steve Witkoff, US presidential special envoy (Getty Images)
The US announced the start of the second stage of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip. This involves moving toward demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction, according to US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff on Twitter (X).
"Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President’s 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," Witkoff wrote.
He specified that as part of the second stage, a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza is being established – the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG) – and full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza are beginning, including the disarmament of "unauthorized personnel."
According to Witkoff, the US expects Hamas to fully meet its obligations, including immediately handing over to Israel the last body of a deceased hostage. If the militants fail to comply, there will be "serious consequences" for them.
The special envoy also noted that the first stage provided unprecedented humanitarian aid, helped maintain the ceasefire, and allowed for the return of all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages.
Witkoff expressed gratitude to Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts, which made all the progress achieved possible.
Trump’s peace plan for Gaza
At the end of September, the US presented a 20-point peace plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The plan provides for an immediate ceasefire by mutual agreement, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the full return of all hostages.
The plan also includes freezing all military operations, granting amnesty to Hamas members who agree to disarm, and allowing those who wish to leave Gaza safely.
