US Envoy Unveils Phase Two Plan for Gaza Conflict Resolution

US Special Envoy Announces Second Phase of Trump’s Gaza Plan

United States President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has announced the launch of the second phase of a US-brokered plan aimed at ending Israel’s conflict with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The plan, which was initially proposed in September, includes 20 key points that outline a path towards demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.

According to Witkoff, the second phase will establish a transitional administration to govern over the Gaza Strip, with the aim of achieving “full demilitarization and reconstruction” of the territory. The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will result in serious consequences.

The plan also includes the establishment of a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump, as well as the deployment of an “international stabilisation force” to oversee security in Gaza. The exact makeup and authority of the provisional body expected to govern in the enclave is not yet clear.

Israel has violated the US-brokered ceasefire more than 1,190 times since its implementation in October, according to the Gaza Government Media Office. This has resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths and blocked critical humanitarian aid from entering the enclave.

Hamas has previously stated that it is ready to abandon day-to-day governance in Gaza as outlined under the Trump plan. However, serious questions remain around the reconstruction of Gaza, where more than 80 percent of all buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

The UN and leading humanitarian groups continue to call on Israel to allow unimpeded deliveries of aid into the territory. Legal experts have noted that the continued restrictions violate Israel’s obligation as the occupying power in the Gaza Strip to provide for the needs of Palestinians in the territory under its control.

Source: Al Jazeera