Gaza enters second phase of U.S.-backed ceasefire plan

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced the Gaza ceasefire plan is entering its second phase, which foresees a technocratic Palestinian administration to run daily affairs; mediators named Ali Shaath to lead the committee, while key issues such as disarming Hamas and funding reconstruction remain unresolved.

The United States announced that the Gaza ceasefire plan is moving into its second phase. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said the phase includes plans to disarm Hamas, begin rebuilding Gaza, and establish a technocratic Palestinian administration to manage daily affairs under U.S. supervision. The announcement follows nearly two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Egypt, Turkey and Qatar welcomed the move. Key developments: - U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff posted that the ceasefire plan is entering its second phase. - The phase calls for a technocratic Palestinian committee to administer Gaza; mediators named Ali Shaath to lead that committee. - Officials say the phase involves disarmament and reconstruction, and oversight by a Trump-led “Board of Peace” has been described, though members and many operational details have not been released. Summary: The announcement signals a planned shift toward a transitional administration in Gaza while acknowledging major outstanding challenges, notably disarming Hamas and arranging reconstruction financing. Undetermined at this time.