WASHINGTON: The United States has announced the launch of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, shifting its focus from maintaining a ceasefire to demilitarisation, interim governance and post-war reconstruction of the territory.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in a social media post on Friday that the initiative marked a transition “from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction”. He said the second phase aims to stabilise Gaza after months of conflict and humanitarian devastation.
According to Witkoff, the plan предусматриes the establishment of a transitional technocratic Palestinian body, named the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which would oversee civilian governance during the interim period. He added that the process would also involve the “full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza”, with a particular emphasis on the disarmament of all unauthorised armed groups.
The US envoy warned that Hamas would face consequences if it failed to comply with the plan’s requirements, including the return of the remains of the final deceased hostage. “Failure to do so will bring serious consequences,” he said, without elaborating on potential measures.
Witkoff said the first phase of the plan had achieved “significant results”, including the delivery of humanitarian assistance, maintenance of the ceasefire and the return of all living hostages, along with the remains of 27 out of 28 deceased captives. He also credited Egypt, Turkey and Qatar for playing key mediation roles in advancing the agreement.
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Separately, the White House announced the formation of a high-level executive panel, referred to as the ‘Board of Peace’, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the plan. According to a statement, the board includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, former presidential adviser Jared Kushner, World Bank President Ajay Banga and former British prime minister Tony Blair, among others.
The panel will supervise governance reforms, regional diplomacy and the mobilisation of international financing for Gaza’s reconstruction. The White House said the broader board would provide strategic oversight, coordinate global assistance and ensure accountability throughout the transition process.
The US also plans to deploy an international stabilisation force and appoint a senior representative to coordinate security, governance and reconstruction efforts under the proposed framework.
The panel will supervise portfolios ranging from governance and regional diplomacy to reconstruction financing and investment mobilisation.https://t.co/2OmNdpKIjE
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 17, 2026
The announcement comes amid continued uncertainty on the ground. While the ceasefire reached in October has reduced large-scale fighting, sporadic clashes and airstrikes have persisted. Hamas has so far refused to disarm and has not returned the remains of the final hostage, a key condition of the first phase.
President Trump described the newly formed board as “the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled”. Analysts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the plan can translate into lasting political stability, security and reconstruction in Gaza.
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