US announces Phase-2 of Gaza Peace Plan

New Delhi, Jan 16: The United States has announced the launch of phase two of President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.

The next phase includes the creation of a technocratic Palestinian government to run the territory, along with steps towards reconstruction and demilitarisation, reports the BBC.

US envoy Steve Witkoff said phase two follows the first stage, under which Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October.

Phase one also included a hostage and prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and an increase in humanitarian aid.

Phase two aims to fully demilitarise Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.

It also focuses on rebuilding the territory and setting up a transitional Palestinian administration made up of technocrats rather than political factions.

However, the new phase faces major challenges. Hamas has earlier said it would not give up its weapons without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Israel, meanwhile, has not committed to a full withdrawal from Gaza.

The ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, nearly 450 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began.

The Israeli military has reported the deaths of three soldiers in attacks by Palestinian groups during the same period.

The United Nations has warned that humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe and has called for the unrestricted flow of essential supplies.