The United States has formally launched the second phase of its diplomatic plan aimed at ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip, with a shift in focus from maintaining a ceasefire to establishing governance structures, demilitarisation, and reconstruction efforts. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, made the announcement on January 14, outlining the next steps in Washington’s strategy. (News24)
Under the newly initiated phase, a transitional Palestinian technocratic administration — the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) — will be set up to oversee daily governance in the war-torn enclave. The plan also envisages comprehensive demilitarisation, full reconstruction of infrastructure, and broader stability measures across Gaza. (en.hespress.com)
Witkoff reiterated that the United States expects full compliance with the obligations agreed upon in the plan — including the return of the remaining deceased hostage — warning that failure to adhere could lead to “serious consequences.” Regional partners involved in mediation efforts, such as Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, have announced that Palestinian factions have agreed on the committee’s composition, with veteran leader Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath set to lead the body. (news.cgtn.com)
The transitional phase is part of Washington’s broader 20-point blueprint, which seeks to transform the ceasefire into a lasting peace framework by moving beyond immediate conflict cessation to governance reform and rebuilding efforts. However, challenges remain, including ongoing hostilities recorded even during the truce, logistical hurdles in reconstruction, and questions about how compliance and demilitarisation will be achieved on the ground. (News24)
