Heads up: the US kicked off Phase 2 of its Gaza peace plan this week, shifting gears from just keeping the ceasefire to tackling demilitarisation 🕊️, setting up civilian governance, and laying out reconstruction roadmaps.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff shared on X that Phase 2 aims to go beyond ceasefire maintenance by removing weapons from civilian areas, establishing a technocratic administration led by experts, and mapping out early-stage rebuilding plans 🏗️.
This phase is designed to create conditions for longer-term stability by restoring basic services—like electricity and water—and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza. Success will hinge on close coordination with regional partners and full compliance with existing ceasefire commitments.
Washington also reiterated that it expects Hamas to honour its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Witkoff warned that failure to comply "will bring serious consequences."
Meanwhile, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye announced this week that theyhave formed a Palestinian technocratic committee to oversee civil services, aid coordination and initial reconstruction in Gaza. Headed by veteran engineer Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, the committeeprovides a practical governance bridge without diving into political debates.
Regional mediators stress this is a transitional mechanism to improve daily life and complement wider political talks, not replace them.
In the coming days, the US plans to unveil a "Peace Council" to monitor ceasefire implementation and back reconstruction efforts, after earlier delays in rallying international support.
All mediators are calling for strict adherence to the truce, open humanitarian corridors, and swift restoration of infrastructure to keep Gaza on the path to stability.
Israel, for its part, reaffirmed that bringing back Ran Guaili—the last hostage whose body remains in Gaza—is a top priority. Officials say the technocratic committee won’t slow down efforts to secure his return.
Reference(s):
U.S. launches phase 2 of Gaza peace plan, forms Palestinian committee
cgtn.com
