U.S. Envoy Announces Second Phase of Trump’s Gaza Plan
Washington advances post-genocide blueprint for Gaza as Israel delays implementation and conditions progress on captive remains
Palestine | PUREWILAYAH.COM — U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Wednesday the launch of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, a framework designed to reshape the besieged enclave following Israel’s devastating war, while advancing disarmament and external political control.
Speaking publicly, Witkoff said the new phase includes the formation of a technocratic transitional administration, the initiation of reconstruction projects, and the full disarmament of Gaza, including individual weapons—moves widely viewed as an extension of U.S. and Israeli strategic objectives rather than a response to Palestinian self-determination.
Technocratic Administration Imposed Under U.S.-Backed Framework
According to Witkoff, the second phase centers on establishing a transitional Palestinian technocratic body in Gaza under the name “National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.”
He stated that the committee would assume administrative control of the Strip while simultaneously overseeing a comprehensive disarmament process, alongside the launch of large-scale reconstruction projects.
The proposal advances a model in which Gaza is governed under external supervision, sidelining popular resistance forces that have confronted Israeli occupation and aggression for decades.
Washington Issues Threats as Israel Delays Commitments
Witkoff demanded what he described as “full compliance” from Hamas, including the immediate release of the remaining Israeli captive’s body, warning of “severe consequences” should these demands not be met.
He claimed the first phase of Trump’s plan had achieved what he called “historic progress,” citing expanded humanitarian aid, maintenance of the ceasefire, and the return of Israeli captives—remarks that ignored Israel’s continued siege, violations, and obstruction on the ground.
Despite Washington’s rhetoric, Israel continues to stall the implementation of the second phase, conditioning any progress on the recovery of captive remains, while Hamas has made clear that locating and retrieving the body may take time due to the massive destruction inflicted by Israel’s war of extermination.
Gaza Still Reeling from U.S.-Backed Israeli Genocide
Witkoff’s announcement comes amid reports that the technocratic committee is nearly finalized, pending unresolved issues related to security and policing.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty confirmed that agreement has been reached on the names of 15 members of the technocratic committee, expressing hope for an imminent announcement and the committee’s deployment to Gaza to manage daily civilian affairs.
Palestinian factions and political forces have voiced support for mediation efforts aimed at forming the transitional body, while stressing the need for conditions that allow it to operate effectively under occupation and blockade.
Israel and Hamas had agreed in October last year to Trump’s 20-point plan, which calls for Gaza to be run by a technocratic Palestinian authority under the supervision of an international “Peace Council.”
Backed fully by the United States, Israel launched a genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 71,000 Palestinians and wounding over 171,000, the majority of them women and children, while destroying around 90 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. (PW)