U.S. Launches Phase Two of Gaza Plan Despite Gaps in Ceasefire Implementation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

GAZA — The United States announced the launch of the second phase of its plan to end the Gaza war on January 14, even as key elements of the first phase — most notably a full and durable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas — remain incomplete. Ongoing Israeli airstrikes, delays in reopening Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt, and unresolved issues in retrieving the remains of an Israeli hostage have complicated the initial stage.

As reported by Reuters, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the second phase will establish a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, initiate reconstruction efforts, and begin the process of demilitarization. According to mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, the proposed 15-member body will be led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official, and overseen by an international “Board of Peace.”

The plan envisions Hamas relinquishing governance and eventually disarming — an outcome the group has resisted, agreeing only to cede administrative control. Talks on disarmament are continuing in Cairo, while U.S. officials acknowledge deep skepticism from Israel and significant challenges ahead.

According to Reuters, a U.S. official who briefed reporters referred to the new committee of Palestinian technocrats, overseen by the Board of Peace, as a new "government for Gaza, saying:

"The goal here is to create the alternative to Hamas that wants that peace, figure out how to empower them. And obviously, now that we have this government, we will be engaging in conversations: with Hamas on the next phase, which is demilitarization; with Israel, on what amnesty program can be given to Hamas if they do this."

Previously, UOJ reported that more than 1,000 American Christian Zionist pastors and influencers spent a week in Israel on an all-expenses-paid trip funded by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

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