US Launches Phase Two of Gaza Peace Plan with New Government

The United States has initiated phase two of President Donald Trump‘s plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This new phase involves the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government, which will be responsible for guiding Gaza’s transition from a state of conflict to one of reconstruction. The announcement was made on Wednesday by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who emphasized that this phase aims to move Gaza from a fragile ceasefire towards full demilitarisation, effective governance, and extensive rebuilding of the war-torn area.

Phase two follows a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2023, which marked the first phase of the plan. That initial agreement included a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and an increase in humanitarian aid to the region. Witkoff underscored the critical role of compliance by Hamas in this process, particularly the return of the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage. He warned that failure to meet these obligations could lead to “serious consequences.”

Challenges Ahead

Significant hurdles remain for the successful implementation of this plan. Hamas has consistently stated that it will not disarm unless there is a commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Furthermore, Israel has yet to agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza. The ceasefire itself is precarious, with accusations of violations from both sides and reports of hundreds of Palestinians killed due to Israeli airstrikes since the ceasefire began.

Under the new governance structure, Gaza will be managed by a 15-member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy planning minister within the Palestinian Authority. This committee will operate under the oversight of a “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump, with former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov serving as the board’s representative in Gaza.

Regional Reaction and Support

The formation of the technocratic government has garnered support from regional mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. These countries expressed hope that the new administration could lead to greater stability within Gaza and improve humanitarian conditions for its residents. Both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have also indicated their support for this governance model, while the Palestinian Authority highlighted the importance of unified governance across both Gaza and the West Bank.

As part of the broader plan, there is a proposal for the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force. This force would aim to train and support vetted Palestinian police units, facilitating a smoother transition to governance once the Palestinian Authority can demonstrate the ability to manage Gaza “securely and effectively.”

Ongoing Tensions

Tensions continue to simmer, particularly concerning the fate of Ran Gvili, the last deceased Israeli hostage still believed to be in Gaza. The Israeli government has made it clear that his return is a priority and has linked any further steps under the ceasefire to the handover of his remains.

The conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign that, according to Gaza’s health ministry, has claimed over 71,000 lives in the region.

As the international community watches closely, the success of this new phase will depend on cooperation among all parties involved and adherence to the commitments made in the peace plan.