The administration of US President Donald Trump has formally launched the second phase of its plan to end the conflict in Gaza. The announcement was made by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who said the strategy now moves beyond a ceasefire toward restructuring Gaza’s future governance and security.

“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,” Witkoff said, describing the transition as one “from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.”

Technocratic body to govern Gaza

Under the new phase, Gaza will be administered by a transitional body known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This body will be composed of technocrats rather than political factions, marking a significant shift away from traditional party-led governance. The plan also calls for the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel as reconstruction efforts begin.

Witkoff issued a strong warning to Hamas, stating that the United States expects full compliance with remaining obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. He cautioned that failure to comply would result in “serious consequences.”

Phase One outcomes

According to the US envoy, Phase One of the plan delivered concrete results, including the continuation of humanitarian aid, adherence to the ceasefire, and the return of all living hostages along with the bodies of 27 of the 28 deceased captives.

The initial phase focused on halting active fighting between Israel and Gaza, easing the humanitarian crisis, and building momentum for a broader settlement. It involved a ceasefire, hostage releases by Hamas, and a prisoner exchange that saw hundreds of Palestinians freed from Israeli custody.

Witkoff described these developments as historic and credited Egypt, Turkey and Qatar for their mediation efforts, saying their role was crucial in achieving progress.

US stance going forward

The launch of Phase Two signals a more assertive US role in shaping Gaza’s post-war governance structure. By pushing for technocratic rule and demilitarisation, Washington appears intent on directly influencing the political and security framework that will define Gaza’s future once reconstruction begins.

The ceasefire under Trump’s 20-point plan came into effect last October, significantly reducing hostilities. With Phase Two now underway, the focus shifts to whether the proposed governance model and security conditions can be implemented on the ground.