US Launches Phase Two of Gaza Peace Initiative with New Technocratic Government

Tue Feb 03 2026 04:49:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In an effort to stabilize the region, the US has unveiled phase two of its Gaza peace plan, introducing a technocratic government aimed at reconstruction and demilitarization.

The US has initiated phase two of its Gaza peace plan, establishing a technocratic Palestinian administration following a previously agreed ceasefire. This phase focuses on reconstruction and disarmament, but faces challenges from Hamas's refusal to disarm and ongoing violence in the region. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.

US envoy Steve Witkoff has announced the start of phase two of President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, with a technocratic Palestinian government established in the territory.

Under phase one, Hamas and Israel agreed a ceasefire in October, as well as a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli withdrawal, and an aid surge.

Witkoff stated that phase two would include the reconstruction and full demilitarization of Gaza, involving the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian factions. The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, he remarked, adding that failure to do so would have serious repercussions.

Despite this, two contentious points exist in phase two: Hamas's historic refusal to relinquish weapons without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and Israel's non-commitment to a complete withdrawal from Gaza. The ceasefire remains fragile, with ongoing accusations of violations from both sides. Nearly 450 Palestinians have reportedly died in Israeli attacks since its inception, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, prompting the UN to emphasize the necessity for unhindered access to essential supplies.

Following the announcement, regional mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey endorsed the formation of a technocratic Palestinian Committee to administer Gaza, expressing hope for improved humanitarian conditions. The committee will be led by Ali Shaath, a former planning minister in the Palestinian Authority.

Witkoff also mentioned that Trump's plan includes the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government seeks to recover the remains of a deceased Israeli hostage and has linked their recovery to conditions pertaining to the progress of the peace plan.