Witkoff announces 'Phase 2' of Trump's Gaza peace plan

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday announced the beginning of "phase two" of President Donald Trump's peace plan to end the Gaza War, with the goal of implementing the demilitarization of the coastal region.

Last year, Trump negotiated a ceasefire agreement to end active fighting between Israel and Hamas that had persisted since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas raid on Israel. The delicate ceasefire has largely held, despite intermittent skirmishes.

"Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel," Witkoff posted on X. "The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences."

Trump has maintained his official support for a two-state solution and multiple western nations have formally recognized Palestinian statehood amid the conflict.

Israel, for its part, suffered considerable loss of international support over its military operations in Gaza, with the International Criminal Court issuing warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.