US launches Gaza phase two of plan to end conflict, announces technocratic rule

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 15, 2026 04:22 IST

After months of ceasefire and hostage negotiations, the Trump administration says it is ready to move from stopping the war in Gaza to reshaping what comes next. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of phase two of Washington’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza, including the creation of a technocratic Palestinian administration and the start of full demilitarisation.

“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,” Witkoff said in a post on X. He described the shift as moving “from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.”

TECHNOCRATIC BODY TO GOVERN GAZA

Under the plan, Gaza would be governed by a transitional body known as the Committee for the Administration of Gaza, or NCAG, made up of technocrats rather than political factions. The phase also calls for the disarmament of “all unauthorised personnel” as reconstruction begins.

Witkoff paired the announcement with a blunt warning to Hamas, saying the United States expects full compliance with its remaining obligations.

“The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage,” he wrote. “Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.”

PHASE ONE PRODUCED TANGIBLE RESULTS

The envoy reported that phase one of the plan had already produced tangible outcomes, which included “the continuing flow of humanitarian aid, the observation of the ceasefire, and the return of all living hostages and the bodies of 27 of the 28 dead ones.”

The first phase of the Gaza peace plan was about ceasing active fighting and easing the humanitarian crisis while building momentum for longer-term steps. It included an immediate ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, a release of all living hostages, and the return of deceased captives, coupled with a prisoner exchange involving hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.

Calling those outcomes historic, Witkoff thanked Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts, saying their involvement made the progress possible.

This is an indication that the US government is going to have an aggressive policy in determining the governance that will be adopted in the Gaza.

The ceasefire reached under Trump’s 20-point plan took effect last October and stopped much of the fighting. Under the first phase of the three-phase deal, Hamas released all but one hostage it was holding in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians who were held by Israel.

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