Washington, January 14 (NationPress) – On Wednesday, the United States unveiled phase two of President Donald Trump’s initiative aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. This new phase transitions the focus from a ceasefire to essential elements such as demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and comprehensive reconstruction, as highlighted in a statement by the US Special Envoy for Peace Missions.

“Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are proud to announce the initiation of Phase Two of the President’s 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which shifts from a ceasefire approach to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction,” said Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in a statement shared on social media.

The newly launched phase establishes what the US has termed a transitional technocratic administration in Gaza, officially designated as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This plan also initiates a comprehensive process of demilitarisation and rebuilding efforts in the region, focusing on the disarmament of armed factions operating outside a sanctioned framework.

Under the second phase, demilitarisation will concentrate “primarily on the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel,” marking a significant escalation in US involvement following the previous ceasefire agreement, according to Witkoff.

The US has explicitly stated its expectations for compliance from Hamas during this phase, particularly regarding outstanding obligations connected to hostages from the conflict. “The US anticipates that Hamas will fully adhere to its commitments, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage,” Witkoff remarked.

The statement also cautioned of potential repercussions if these conditions are not fulfilled. “Neglecting to meet these demands will lead to serious consequences,” the envoy warned, without elaborating on what those measures would entail.

US officials portrayed phase two as a continuation of the tangible results achieved during the initial phase of the plan. Witkoff noted that phase one had already yielded significant humanitarian and security benefits on the ground.

“Notably, Phase One delivered historic humanitarian assistance, upheld the ceasefire, and facilitated the return of all living hostages along with the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages,” he highlighted.

The US envoy also acknowledged the crucial role of regional players in facilitating progress thus far, expressing gratitude to nations involved in mediation efforts. “We are deeply appreciative of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their vital mediation roles that have enabled all progress to date,” Witkoff stated.

While the announcement set forth broad goals for governance and reconstruction, it lacked specific timelines for the establishment of the NCAG and did not detail how demilitarisation would be executed on the ground. It also did not clarify the involvement of existing Palestinian institutions or international partners in overseeing the transition.

The initiation of phase two occurs as the US aims to solidify the achievements from the ceasefire and convert them into lasting political and security frameworks in Gaza, amidst ongoing global scrutiny regarding the humanitarian situation and the sustainability of the truce.