On January 14, the US administration announced that the second phase of the strategic plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza has begun. This was reported by Reuters. At the same time, the key issues envisioned in the first phase of the plan, including achieving a full peace between Israel and Hamas, have not yet been realized.
It is noted that within the scope of the second phase, the US and mediating states must resolve complex issues such as disarming Hamas, which refuses to surrender its weapons, as well as deploying international peacekeeping forces to Gaza. According to Steven Witkoff, a special envoy of US President Donald Trump, this phase envisions forming a technocratic Palestinian administration for the transitional period in Gaza, and beginning the processes of disarmament and reconstruction.
According to a joint statement by the mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, the Palestinian body being established will consist of 15 members. It will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister of the Palestinian administration supported by the West. He was previously involved in developing industrial zones.
Israel and Hamas reached an agreement last October within the framework of the Trump plan. According to it, Gaza should be administered during the transitional period by a technocratic Palestinian body under the supervision of an international "Peace Council." According to a European diplomat, another announcement regarding the Peace Council is expected at the Davos Forum next week.
A US official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that on January 14, invitations were sent to members of the Peace Council personally selected by Trump.
In a radio interview, Ali Shaath said the committee will initially focus on providing urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, including housing for displaced Palestinians. Currently, the majority of them are living in temporary tents among the ruins.
Furthermore, Steven Witkoff emphasized that the main goal of the second phase of the Trump plan is the complete demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza. It is noted that although Hamas refuses to surrender its weapons, it agreed last October to hand over the administration of Gaza to a technocratic committee.
For reference, the first phase of the plan had stalled due to Israel's airstrikes in Gaza, some disagreements, and delays in opening border crossing points. Despite this, Washington decided to begin the second phase.
