Witkoff announces launch of Gaza peace plan 2nd phase

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, which envisages a transition from a ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance of the enclave, and reconstruction.

“Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel. The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.

Importantly, Phase One delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages. We are deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible,” Witkoff wrote on X.