In brief
US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the start of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, which includes the formation of a technocratic Palestinian government and aims for the disarmament of Hamas. However, challenges remain as Hamas has historically resisted disarming without statehood and Israel's commitment to complete withdrawal from Gaza is uncertain. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are still dire as the struggle for peace continues amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian needs.
US envoy Steve Witkoff has announced the start of phase two of President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, with a technocratic Palestinian government established in the territory.
Under phase one, Hamas and Israel agreed a ceasefire in October, as well as a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli withdrawal, and an aid surge.
Witkoff said phase two would also see the reconstruction and full demilitarization of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian groups.
The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, he warned, noting these include the return of the body of the last dead Israeli hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.
However, two key points of phase two could be problematic. Hamas has previously refused to give up its weapons without the creation of an independent Palestinian state, and Israel has not committed to fully withdrawing from Gaza.
The ceasefire is also fragile at best, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations. Almost 450 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since it came into force, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
And humanitarian conditions in the territory remain dire, according to the UN, which has stressed the need for the unrestricted flow of critical supplies.
In his statement, Witkoff declared that with the launch of phase two of Trump's 20-point peace plan on Wednesday, Gaza was moving from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.
Following the announcement, regional mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey welcomed the formation of what they called the Palestinian Technocratic Committee to Administer the Gaza Strip, saying it would contribute to efforts aimed at consolidating stability and improving the humanitarian situation.
According to Trump's plan, the PA will take over governing Gaza once it has completed reforms and can do so securely and effectively.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he had spoken on Wednesday evening with the parents of Ran Gvili, the last dead hostage in Gaza, making it clear that Ran's return is a top priority.
