The United States has confirmed that the Gaza ceasefire framework associated with former President Donald Trump has entered its second operational phase, marking a significant policy moment with implications for Middle Eastern stability and international reconstruction efforts. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, and signals a shift from active hostilities toward governance, security restructuring, and long-term rebuilding after two years of war between Israel and Hamas.
According to the US position, the second phase focuses on the disarmament of Hamas, the reconstruction of Gaza’s devastated infrastructure, and the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian administration to oversee daily civilian affairs. The ceasefire itself originated from a 20-point plan supported by the Trump administration and took effect in October, sharply reducing large-scale fighting. During the first phase, Hamas released all but one hostage in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel, a development confirmed by US officials.
Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Focuses on Disarmament and Transitional Administration
Witkoff stated in a verified post on X that the ceasefire had formally progressed to its second phase, which includes the formation of a technocratic governing body in Gaza composed of Palestinian experts operating under American supervision. He indicated that the United States expected Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage in fulfillment of its remaining obligations under the agreement, while also emphasizing that the new phase aims to bring an end to Hamas’s 18-year control of the territory through nonpartisan administrative management.
Reconstruction Costs, Security Oversight, and Governance Gaps Pose Major Challenges
Despite the policy milestone, substantial uncertainties remain. US officials have not released the names of the technocratic committee members, nor have they identified participants in the Trump-led “Board of Peace” that is expected to oversee the transition. The White House has not issued further clarification. The plan also faces structural challenges, including the potential deployment of an international security force and the complex process of disarming Hamas. Separately, the United Nations has estimated that rebuilding Gaza will cost more than $50 billion, with reconstruction expected to take years and limited funding pledged to date. The technocratic administration will also need to rapidly assume responsibility for public services for Gaza’s more than two million residents after nearly two decades of Hamas-led governance and repeated cycles of conflict.