U.S. announces launch of phase 2 of Gaza peace plan

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, shifting the focus from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction.

U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff said on X, "Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel," he said.

The announcement reiterated that the U.S. side expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage.