President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced on Wednesday the launch of phase two of the Gaza plan, which includes the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian administration in the enclave.
Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. He warned that failure to meet these obligations would carry “serious consequences.”
The phase two move follows the first stage of the plan, which included a ceasefire and partial hostage release, though it faced delays and continued tensions in the region.
Under the plan, a 14-member Palestinian committee will temporarily govern Gaza. The body will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, and will include figures from the private sector, NGOs and security officials. Hamas will not be represented.
The committee was approved by former U.N. envoy Nickolay Mladenov, who is expected to represent the international “Board of Peace” overseeing the transitional governance.
Egyptian officials confirmed the committee, emphasising that Gaza should remain linked with the West Bank under a single legal and institutional framework.
The first phase of the plan, which included a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, faced setbacks including Israeli airstrikes, Hamas’s refusal to disarm, and delays in reopening the Rafah crossing with Egypt. Despite these issues, Trump’s envoy is pressing ahead with phase two.
Hamas and Fatah leaders are meeting in Cairo to discuss the next steps, including the group’s disarmament. Members of the new technocratic committee were scheduled to meet Mladenov in Cairo on Wednesday, with Hamas and Fatah reportedly endorsing the selection.
The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank expressed support for the plan, saying Gaza institutions should remain aligned with the West Bank and uphold “one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon.”
Officials also said the plan will include the deployment of international peacekeeping forces, though details remain under negotiation.
And, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to make a visit to Moscow on 21–22 January, TASS said on Thursday (15 January), referencing the Palestinian embassy.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 17 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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