President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday the start of “Phase Two” of Trump’s Gaza peace process — despite Hamas refusing to disarm as specified in the deal.
The second phase calls for the terrorist group to relinquish control to an international peacekeeping force overseen by a “technocratic” Palestinian government and a Trump-chaired Board of Peace.
“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, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction,” Witkoff said in a statement.
“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.”
Here’s the latest on the Gaza cease-fire deal
Witkoff added: “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.”
The first phase of the peace deal ended large-scale fighting in October, followed by Hamas releasing all living hostages and Israel pulling back troops from heavily populated areas.
Trump has threatened that Hamas will be forcibly removed from the Gaza Strip by regional troops if it does not voluntarily disarm.
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