The United States announced on Wednesday that it is moving to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said this phase will focus on demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. He did not explain how the most difficult parts of the plan will be carried out.
Witkoff said the US expects Hamas to meet all its obligations. This includes returning the remains of the final deceased hostage immediately. He warned that failure to do so would bring serious consequences.
The US moved forward despite Israeli objections. Israel says there has been no real progress on Hamas disarmament. It also says Hamas still holds the body of Ran Gvili. Because of this, Israel has refused to open the Rafah crossing with Egypt.
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Families of hostages urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the second phase. They said Israel cannot heal until Gvili’s remains return. Netanyahu repeated Israel’s demand but did not directly respond to the US announcement. A US official said efforts to recover the body continue and that communication channels remain open.
The second phase calls for an International Stabilization Force to enter Gaza. The force would support Palestinian police and allow Israel to withdraw from some areas. Few countries have publicly agreed to send personnel. US officials insist many countries are involved and will be named later.
Technocratic Committee to Run Gaza Temporarily
At the same time, a new Palestinian technocratic committee was formed to manage Gaza’s daily affairs. The committee will govern until a reformed Palestinian Authority can take control. The plan says this could lead to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Netanyahu strongly opposes both ideas.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the move and praised US efforts to strengthen the ceasefire and begin reconstruction. Palestinian factions led by Hamas also supported the plan. Hamas said it had ordered its agencies to hand over power to the committee.
Experts say the committee may help restore basic services and allow aid to flow. However, they warn it cannot replace accountable political leadership. The committee will work under a Trump-led Board of Peace. The US has not released the full list of members.
Reports say former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov will direct the panel. Egypt named Ali Shaath as head of the committee. Israel approved all 15 committee members and demanded that no Hamas or Palestinian Authority officials be included.
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