Witkoff: US Moving Forward With Phase Two of Gaza Peace Plan Despite Unresolved Hostage Issue
The United States announced on Wednesday that it is proceeding with the next stage of the Trump Administration’s Gaza peace initiative, formally launching the plan’s second phase, according to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
“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 said in a public statement.
He explained that the new phase calls for the establishment of an interim governing body and a comprehensive security overhaul. “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. 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 warned.
Reflecting on the achievements of the earlier stage of the agreement, Witkoff said the initial phase produced unprecedented humanitarian and diplomatic outcomes. “Importantly, Phase One delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages. We are deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible,” he said.
The announcement comes as the remains of Ran Gvili, the final hostage, are still being held in Gaza, despite provisions in the agreement requiring that all hostages be returned during the first phase. Israeli officials have continued to object to advancing to the second phase before Hamas fulfills every obligation from the initial stage, including the return of Gvili.
{Matzav.com}
