❓WHAT HAPPENED: The United States announced the next phase of its Gaza peace plan, focusing on disarming Hamas, rebuilding, and establishing governance.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, the White House, Hamas, and the Israeli government.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced January 14, 2026, as part of the ongoing U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Failure to do so will bring serious consequences,” wrote Witkoff, referring to Hamas’ obligation to return the final hostages’ remains.
🎯IMPACT: The plan’s success hinges on demilitarizing Gaza, establishing a technocratic government, and maintaining the fragile ceasefire.
The United States announced the next phase of its Gaza peace plan on Wednesday, 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 shared details in a post on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the plan will transition 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.
“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,” Witkoff wrote, adding: “Importantly, Phase One 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 fulfill its obligations by returning 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 in his statement.
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.
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