Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The United States has announced the launch of what it calls “Phase Two” of a plan to end the war in Gaza, shifting the focus from a fragile ceasefire to the demilitarization of Hamas, the establishment of interim Palestinian governance, and long-term reconstruction of the territory.
President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Wednesday that the next phase marks a decisive transition in U.S. strategy. Writing on X, Witkoff stated that Phase Two aims to move “from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction,” as part of the administration’s broader 20-point plan to end the conflict.
The announcement comes amid continued Israeli military activity in Gaza, despite a ceasefire intended to halt large-scale hostilities. Israeli officials have argued that limited strikes remain necessary to counter ongoing security threats, while Palestinian factions have accused Israel of undermining the truce.
Central to Phase Two is the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups operating outside any recognized governing authority. According to Witkoff, the phase “begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel,” a goal that has long been a core demand of both Israel and the United States.
The plan also envisions a new administrative structure for Gaza once the fighting ends. Earlier Wednesday, Egypt—one of the key mediators in negotiations alongside Qatar and the United States—announced the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee. The body is expected to oversee civil administration in post-war Gaza, manage humanitarian aid, and lay the groundwork for reconstruction, while remaining independent of Hamas.
Washington has stressed that Hamas must fully comply with its obligations under the ceasefire framework, including the return of all remaining hostages. Witkoff warned that failure to do so would carry “serious consequences,” underscoring the administration’s hardline position toward the group.
The fate of the final deceased hostage remains a sensitive issue, particularly for Israel, where public pressure has mounted on the government to secure the return of all captives taken during the October 7 attacks. Israeli leaders have repeatedly stated that the war’s ultimate objective remains the elimination of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.
Analysts note that while the transition to Phase Two signals diplomatic momentum, significant obstacles remain. Hamas has historically rejected calls to disarm, viewing its weapons as central to its resistance against Israel. Meanwhile, questions persist over who would guarantee security in Gaza during a transition period and how reconstruction efforts would be funded and implemented amid widespread devastation.
As international actors cautiously welcome the prospect of post-war governance and rebuilding, the success of Phase Two will likely depend on sustained pressure, regional cooperation, and the ability to prevent a return to large-scale violence in one of the most volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
