US launching second phase of Gaza peace plan, expects Hamas to ‘fully comply’

President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, which requires the disarming of Hamas to make way for an interim governing body overseen by Trump.

“Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President’s 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction,” Witkoff wrote on X.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

Witkoff thanked Egypt, Turkey and Qatar for their role in ongoing mediation.

Since Trump announced the first phase of the ceasefire in October, Hamas has re-asserted its control over parts of the Gaza Strip, raising major questions over its willingness to disarm.

Hamas said Sunday it will dissolve its existing government in Gaza once a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes over, but did not give a timeline for that transition.

Trump is set to lead a “Board of Peace” that will oversee implementation of the ceasefire, including deploying an international security force as Hamas disarms and Israel scales back its military presence.

It’s unclear who else will sit on the board, with composition likely to become a prickly issue between Hamas, Israel and their backers.

Trump said in December that an announcement on the board’s membership would be coming early this year.

Key partners to the plan say the path ahead remains shrouded in uncertainty.