Phase Two of Gaza Peace Initiative Launched by US

Wed Jan 14 2026 23:56:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The United States has officially initiated phase two of its peace plan for Gaza, focusing on establishing a Palestinian technocratic government and reconstruction efforts.

US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the commencement of phase two of the Gaza peace plan, which aims to establish a technocratic Palestinian government and oversee the reconstruction of the territory following extensive conflict. The initiative underscores demands for Hamas's disarmament and has garnered regional support from mediators like Egypt and Turkey. The transitional authority will be overseen by a 'Board of Peace' chaired by President Trump, with plans for further announcements expected soon.

The United States has officially initiated phase two of its peace plan for Gaza, which is marked by the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government in the territory. US envoy Steve Witkoff announced that this phase prioritizes both reconstruction efforts and the full demilitarization of Gaza, explicitly calling for the disarmament of Hamas alongside other Palestinian factions.

Witkoff emphasized the necessity for Hamas to adhere to its obligations, which includes the return of remains belonging to the last Israeli hostage. He warned of serious repercussions if Hamas fails to comply. The initial phase of the US plan had already seen a ceasefire agreed upon by Hamas and Israel in October, along with a prisoner exchange and a surge of humanitarian aid.

Responding to the US announcement, regional players such as Egypt, Gaza, and Turkey expressed support for the formation of a Palestinian Technocratic Committee to Administer the Gaza Strip, believing that it will enhance efforts to stabilize and improve living conditions in the region. This committee is set to include 15 members, led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy planning minister under the Palestinian Authority.

The transitional government will function under a Board of Peace, helmed by President Trump, as outlined in the 20-point plan revealed earlier this year. Further details regarding this board are anticipated in the coming days, particularly related to President Trump's participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week.

Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov, who recently met with representatives from both Israeli and Palestinian leadership, is appointed as the board's representative on the ground in Gaza.

Meanwhile, both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have conveyed their willingness to support the formation of this technocratic government, provided they receive an appropriate environment to commence operations. The Palestinian Authority, which is largely dominated by Fatah (a rival of Hamas), also expressed its backing.

Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh remarked that Trump's leadership has opened new avenues for peace, stability, and governance in the region, urging all Palestinian factions to contribute toward the successful transition.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the parents of Ran Gvili, the last hostaged Israeli. He reiterated the priority of recovering Gvili's remains, stating that the establishment of the technocratic committee will not detract from efforts aimed at securing his return for burial in Israel. Gvili was among the numerous individuals captured during the attacks orchestrated by Hamas in October 2023.

The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll, resulting in over 71,430 fatalities in Gaza according to reports from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, following Israel’s military response to the initial attacks.