US: Peace plan for Gaza enters second phase

(Patria) - The implementation of the peace plan for Gaza is entering its second phase, which includes the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of a technocratic government, and the beginning of reconstruction, said US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

"Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of the second phase of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," Witkoff wrote on the X platform.

Representatives of the Palestinian group Hamas, which fought against Israel until the ceasefire in October, were in the Egyptian capital Cairo today for negotiations.

Egyptian television al-Kahira reported that participants said the goal of the meeting was to prepare for the second phase of the peace plan in Gaza.

Egyptian security sources said that Hamas agreed to the proposed members of the transitional technocratic government that will deal with civil matters and public services in Gaza. Hamas members will not be included in it.

- The second phase establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for Gaza Management (NCAG), and begins the complete demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized persons.

The United States expects Hamas to fully adhere to its obligations, including the immediate return of the last deceased hostage. Failure to do so will carry serious consequences - Witkoff added.

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.

Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic…

— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) January 14, 2026

Participants in the meeting in Cairo said that the Committee should "immediately assume all tasks and responsibilities in the Gaza Strip to manage daily life and basic services," Egyptian television reported.

According to Palestinian media, the transitional government consists of 14 members, and will be headed by Ali Shaat.

Palestinian observers pointed out that all 14 members, including one woman, have no ties to Hamas, which is in line with the peace plan.

Shaat was previously the Deputy Minister of Transport in the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank. Israel strongly opposed the PA having any role in the Gaza Strip in the future.

Trump presented the peace plan in September 2025. A ceasefire came into effect shortly thereafter on October 10.

As part of the first phase of the agreement, all hostages and the remains of deceased hostages were to be returned to Israel. However, the body of one Israeli is still in the Gaza Strip.

The next step concerns the disarmament of Hamas. The organization has so far refused to do so. Hamas members who agree to peaceful coexistence with Israel and lay down their arms will be granted amnesty.

The second phase also envisages international stabilization forces (ISF) that will maintain order in the enclave, but their composition is still being discussed.

An international "peace council" headed by the US President will oversee the transitional government, and its members are also not yet known.

Also, the Israeli army will withdraw from most of the Gaza Strip and gradually hand over the occupied areas to the ISF.

It is unclear whether the transition to the second phase will be successful, as many issues remain unresolved.