United States Advances Phase Two of Gaza Ceasefire with Technocratic Governance Plan
Updated (4 articles)
US Launches Phase Two of Trump‑Brokered Gaza Ceasefire The United States announced on Jan. 14‑15 that the Trump‑brokered ceasefire is entering its second phase, shifting focus to demilitarization, reconstruction and a technocratic Gaza administration. Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the move in a public X post and during a press briefing, emphasizing the transition after two years of war. The announcement came without detailed timelines for disarmament or security force deployment, underscoring the plan’s still‑vague implementation roadmap [1][2][3][4].
Technocratic Committee Led by Ali Shaath to Govern Gaza The second phase creates the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a 15‑member technocratic body headed by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority transportation deputy minister. Egypt, Turkey and Qatar issued joint statements praising the committee as a stabilizing step, while the United States will supervise its daily operations. Shaath’s engineering and economic‑development background is highlighted as essential for the massive reconstruction effort [2][3][4].
Disarmament, International Security Force, and Funding Remain Major Obstacles The core of phase two requires Hamas to surrender weapons, a condition Hamas links to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, while Israel has not committed to a full withdrawal from Gaza. An International Stabilization Force is slated to support a nascent Palestinian police force, but the composition and mandate of that force are still under negotiation. The United Nations estimates reconstruction will exceed $50 billion, yet pledged financing remains insufficient, adding a fiscal strain to the security challenges [1][2][3][4].
Ran Gvili’s Remains Drive Israeli Stance on Phase Two Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly stressed that the return of the last hostage, police officer Ran Gvili, is a top priority, and families of missing persons have urged the government to halt the transition until his body is recovered. U.S. officials report viable communication channels and potential recovery sites, but Israel continues to oppose the phase citing the unresolved remains issue. The dispute illustrates how individual humanitarian concerns intersect with broader diplomatic negotiations [1][2][3][4].
Sources (4 articles)
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[1]
CNN: US moves to phase two of Gaza ceasefire as technocratic committee forms: Reports the U.S. launch of phase two, outlines demilitarization, governance and reconstruction goals, notes Israel’s opposition over Hamas disarmament and Ran Gvili’s remains, and mentions the need for an International Stabilization Force .
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[2]
King5: US says Gaza enters second phase of Trump‑brokered ceasefire plan: Highlights the Trump‑brokered nature of the deal, the technocratic committee led by Ali Shaath, the $50 billion reconstruction estimate, and Netanyahu’s focus on Gvili’s remains while acknowledging security and funding challenges .
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[3]
BBC: US launches phase two of Trump Gaza peace plan with technocratic administration: Details the formation of the NCAG, the demilitarization agenda, Hamas and Israel conditions that could hinder progress, casualty figures, and the Board of Peace chaired by Trump overseeing implementation .
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[4]
AP: US advances second phase of Gaza ceasefire plan with disarmament, reconstruction and technocratic administration: Describes the same phase‑two objectives, Egypt‑Turkey‑Qatar support for Ali Shaath’s committee, Hamas’s expressed readiness to cooperate, and Netanyahu’s emphasis on recovering Ran Gvili’s remains .