US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff made a significant announcement on Wednesday. He revealed the next phase of President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan. This move comes even as Israel carries out a series of strikes during the current ceasefire period.
Phase Two Focuses on Demilitarization and Governance
Witkoff detailed the plan in a post on the social media platform X. He stated that Phase Two aims to transition Gaza from a ceasefire to a new structure. This structure includes demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction efforts. The war-ravaged enclave will see major changes under this proposal.
Formation of a Palestinian Technocratic Committee
A key component involves establishing a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee. This body will oversee Gaza after the war ends. Egypt, a close US ally and mediator, announced the formation of this committee earlier on Wednesday.
The joint statement from mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey provided more details. Ali Shaath will lead the newly formed committee. Shaath served as a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. He previously oversaw the development of industrial zones.
Additional members come from various backgrounds. Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov selected them. Mladenov is expected to serve as the Board of Peace's representative on the ground. The list includes figures from the private sector and non-governmental organisations. Reuters viewed this list, confirming the selections.
US Expectations and Warnings to Hamas
Witkoff emphasized the United States expects Hamas to fully meet its commitments. A critical requirement is the immediate return of the last deceased hostage. He warned that failure to comply would result in serious consequences.
This demand relates to the first phase of Trump's proposal. Hamas has not yet returned the remains from the October 7, 2023 attacks. Those attacks sparked the current war, according to AFP reports.
Ongoing Israel-Hamas Tensions
Intermittent clashes between Israel and Hamas have continued since the peace agreement. Israeli airstrikes persist, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 71,430 deaths from Israeli strikes since the conflict began.
The move could prompt frustration in Israel. Israeli authorities had insisted that Hamas release all remaining hostages before Phase Two begins. They mention police officer Ran Gvili, killed while resisting the 2023 Hamas attack. His body was taken into Gaza, adding to the tensions.
Regional Reactions and Support
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement on Wednesday. He welcomed the efforts made by President Donald Trump to complete the implementation of his peace plan. Abbas's administration governs the West Bank, showing regional support for the initiative.
Witkoff did not specify the exact size of the committee or identify all its members. This leaves some details open as the plan progresses. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold in the volatile region.
