US to Discuss Hamas Disarmament, Israeli Withdrawal in Gaza Phase 2 Plan
US to Discuss Hamas Disarmament, Israeli Withdrawal in Gaza Phase 2 Plan
US Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff has announced the launch of “Phase Two” of the 20-point plan to end the conflict in Gaza. This new stage shifts the focus from maintaining a ceasefire to the full demilitarization of the enclave, specifically seeking the disarmament of Hamas and all “unauthorized personnel.”
As part of this transition, Egypt has announced the formation of a 15-person Palestinian technocratic committee, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
This committee will be responsible for the day-to-day governance and reconstruction of the territory, operating under the oversight of a US-led “Board of Peace.”
The US has coupled this announcement with a stern demand for Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage still held in Gaza. Envoy Witkoff warned that failure to comply with these obligations would result in “serious consequences,” as the administration aims to finalize the recovery of all remains following the release of living hostages in Phase One.
While the plan outlines a path toward Israeli withdrawal and civil reconstruction, significant challenges remain regarding the deployment of an international security force. Hamas has reportedly described the formation of the technocratic committee as a “step in the right direction,” even as the humanitarian situation remains dire following years of war.
