In a pivotal development for the war-torn Gaza Strip, the United States has officially launched the second phase of its comprehensive peace plan, spearheaded by President Donald Trump. This ambitious initiative aims to usher in a new era for Gaza, focusing on the demilitarization of Palestinian armed groups, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and the establishment of a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration to lead post-war reconstruction and governance. The announcement, made by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, signals a critical juncture in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the besieged enclave.
Central to Phase Two is the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), designed to provide essential public services to Gaza’s more than two million residents. This committee, welcomed by Hamas as a ‘step in the right direction,’ is envisioned to operate under the overarching supervision of a newly established ‘Board of Peace,’ which will be chaired by President Trump himself. Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority (PA), has been tapped to lead the NCAG, with Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov expected to serve as the Board of Peace’s representative on the ground in Gaza. The PA, dominated by Hamas’s rival Fatah, has also expressed support, emphasizing the principle of ‘one system, one law and one legitimate weapon’ across Gaza and the West Bank.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Governance and Disarmament
The proposed governance structure for post-conflict Gaza is multifaceted. Beneath the Board of Peace and an Executive Committee based outside Gaza, the NCAG will assume responsibility for daily administration and public services. Shaath has affirmed that the NCAG will be fully integrated with the PA under a ‘one homeland, one system’ framework, excluding any foreign members. Its jurisdiction is slated to expand across the entire Gaza Strip as Israeli forces withdraw, with a strict policy of no contact between its members and Palestinian armed groups. However, the question of ‘who will provide policing, security, schools, hospitals?’ looms large, especially given Hamas’s two-decade rule following its 2006 election victory. The BBC highlights concerns among many Palestinians that a foreign-backed administration could be perceived as ‘colonialism,’ raising doubts about its legitimacy and reception on the ground.
A cornerstone of Phase Two, as articulated by Witkoff, is the ‘full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel.’ This directly addresses Hamas, which has consistently refused to relinquish its arms while Israeli forces occupy Palestinian territory. Witkoff suggested that the US would engage in conversations with Hamas regarding demilitarization and explore potential amnesty programs if they comply. Yet, the path to disarmament is fraught with complications. While mediators like Egypt, Turkiye, and Qatar have lauded the technocratic committee as an ‘important development,’ deep uncertainty persists regarding the practicalities of disarming Palestinian armed groups and deploying an international peacekeeping force, which Trump’s plan also envisions to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces.
Persistent Humanitarian Crisis and Ceasefire Violations
Despite the diplomatic pronouncements, the reality on the ground in Gaza remains grim. The ceasefire, in effect since October of last year, is described as ‘fragile at best,’ with both Israeli and Palestinian sides repeatedly accusing each other of violations. Al Jazeera‘s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza City, emphasized that the deal has brought ‘no change on the ground,’ noting continued drone activity and demolitions. While Witkoff claimed the first phase delivered ‘historic humanitarian aid,’ Khoudary countered that the agreed-upon minimum of 600 trucks of aid per day has never been met. The humanitarian crisis is escalating, with hundreds of thousands of Gazans homeless, living in makeshift tents, and grappling with severe winter weather conditions, including torrential rain and flooding. Most children have had little or no education for over two years, deepening the long-term societal challenges.
Furthermore, Israel’s continued military occupation of over 50 percent of the Gaza Strip presents a significant obstacle. The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, Kan, reported that Israeli officials intend to maintain control over the ‘yellow line,’ a strategic buffer zone in eastern Gaza. This stance directly conflicts with Hamas’s demand for a full Israeli withdrawal and the reopening of critical crossings like Rafah to ensure aid entry and a return to normalcy. The UN estimates Gaza’s reconstruction will cost over $50 billion and take years, yet little funding has been pledged so far. Ali Shaath indicated that reconstruction would be financed via a dedicated World Bank fund, with debris recycled for infrastructure and shelters for displaced Palestinians established within six months, alongside the repair of desalination plants and schools.
The Unresolved Issue of Ran Gvili
Adding another layer of complexity to the peace process is the unresolved issue of Ran Gvili, the last deceased Israeli captive whose body is reportedly held by Islamic Jihad. US envoy Witkoff stressed that Hamas is expected to fulfill its obligation to return Gvili’s remains, warning of ‘serious consequences’ for failure to do so. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly stated that talks on Phase Two would not commence until Gvili is returned. He recently assured Gvili’s parents that the establishment of the technocratic committee would not impede efforts to retrieve their son. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has echoed this sentiment, insisting, ‘There is no phase 2 while Ran Gvili in Gaza. Phase Rani must come first.’ This condition underscores a deep emotional and political hurdle that could derail progress.
Al Jazeera‘s senior analyst Marwan Bishara critically assessed the situation, stating that ‘the deal is rigged’ and that much of the US-sponsored peace process has historically favored Israel. This sentiment resonates with the ongoing challenges of securing a truly equitable and lasting peace. The complexities of disarming armed groups, establishing legitimate governance, ensuring a full Israeli withdrawal, and addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation while navigating deeply entrenched political and emotional demands, present a formidable test for the international community and the viability of Trump’s peace plan.
The launch of Phase Two of the Gaza peace plan represents a significant diplomatic push, yet its success hinges on overcoming a myriad of profound challenges. The proposed technocratic governance structure, while offering a potential path forward, faces inherent legitimacy questions from a war-weary Palestinian populace. Meanwhile, the fragile ceasefire, Israel’s territorial demands, and the unresolved humanitarian catastrophe on the ground underscore the immense gap between diplomatic aspirations and the harsh realities of Gaza. The insistence on the return of Ran Gvili’s remains further highlights how deeply personal and political dimensions are intertwined, making any tangible progress dependent on navigating these complex and often conflicting demands with unprecedented sensitivity and resolve.