Washington, Jan 16 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump announced that the United States has officially embarked on a new chapter in its Gaza peace initiative, endorsing a recently established Palestinian technocratic government and advocating for the complete demilitarisation of Hamas, which includes the handover of all weaponry and the dismantling of their tunnel systems.

“As Special Envoy Steve Witkoff declared, we have officially transitioned into the next phase of Gaza's 20-Point Peace Plan,” Trump stated in a message on Truth Social, referencing the US Special Envoy for Peace Missions.

He indicated that this development follows what he labeled as record humanitarian progress achieved post-ceasefire. “Since the ceasefire, my team has facilitated record levels of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, reaching civilians at historic speed and scale,” he mentioned, noting that even the United Nations has recognized this initiative as “unprecedented.”

“These achievements have laid the groundwork for this next phase,” asserted the President.

Trump emphasized that Gaza will now be overseen during its transitional period by a Palestinian technocratic administration, referred to as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which will operate under the guidance of the US-led Board of Peace, which he chairs.

“As the Chairman of the Board of Peace, I am supporting a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, assisted by the Board’s High Representative, to govern Gaza through this transition,” he said. Trump portrayed the involved Palestinian leaders as “steadfastly devoted to a peaceful future.”

The President indicated that this next phase will concentrate on securing a comprehensive demilitarisation agreement with Hamas, with assistance from regional allies. “With the backing of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, we will ensure a comprehensive demilitarisation agreement with Hamas, which includes the surrender of all arms and the dismantling of every tunnel,” he stated.

He also cautioned Hamas to comply immediately. “Hamas must promptly fulfill its obligations, including the return of the final body to Israel, and move without delay towards full demilitarisation,” he said, adding, “They can choose to do this the easy way or the hard way.”

Senior US officials revealed on Wednesday that the second phase of the plan transitions the focus from ceasefire management to governance, demilitarisation, and reconstruction. They explained that a transitional technocratic administration will replace both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, marking a significant shift from previous arrangements.

Officials also reported that phase one of the plan resulted in historic humanitarian outcomes, including large-scale aid deliveries, vaccination campaigns, and debris clearance, all while maintaining the ceasefire and aiding the return of hostages.