BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
The United States said Wednesday it is moving into the next phase of a ceasefire plan for Gaza that aims to disarm Hamas, begin the long and costly reconstruction of the devastated territory, and establish a new Palestinian-led body to manage daily life in the enclave under American supervision.
President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said in a post on the social media platform X that the agreement brokered by the U.S. was entering its second stage after more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Central to this phase is the creation of a technocratic Palestinian administration that would take over governance in Gaza and end Hamas’ 18-year rule.
The announcement marked a significant diplomatic step, but it also underscored the formidable challenges that lie ahead. Key issues remain unresolved, including how Hamas would be disarmed, how security would be maintained during the transition, and whether an international force could be assembled to oversee and enforce the ceasefire.
Witkoff offered no details on who would serve on the new transitional administration, and the White House did not immediately provide further clarification. However, the other mediators involved in the ceasefire — Egypt, Turkey and Qatar — welcomed the move and said the technocratic committee would be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority.
In a joint statement, the three countries described the formation of the committee as an important step toward stabilizing Gaza and improving humanitarian conditions for its population of more than 2 million people.
Shaath, a native of Gaza, previously served as deputy minister for transportation under the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. An engineer by training, he has experience in economic development and reconstruction, according to biographical information published by the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute.
As part of the agreement’s requirements, Witkoff said the United States expects Hamas to immediately return the final Israeli hostage still covered under the deal, warning that failure to do so would result in serious consequences. The hostage, Ran Gvili, was a 24-year-old Israeli police officer who was killed during fighting with Hamas militants in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Wednesday evening with Gvili’s parents, Tali and Itzik Gvili, and reaffirmed that the return of their son’s remains remains a top priority, according to a statement from his office. The statement stressed that the establishment of a technocratic committee would not alter Israel’s efforts to recover all hostages and that Hamas remains obligated under the ceasefire to provide all available information and assistance.
The ceasefire, reached under Trump’s 20-point plan, took effect in October and brought a halt to most large-scale fighting. During the first phase of the three-stage agreement, Hamas released all but one hostage in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The second phase envisions the technocratic committee assuming responsibility for Gaza’s civilian administration, including public services such as health care, water, electricity and education. The committee would operate under the oversight of a U.S.-led “Board of Peace,” though neither its members nor its precise authority have been publicly outlined.
Rebuilding Gaza presents an enormous task. The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will cost more than $50 billion and could take many years to complete. Large swaths of the territory have been reduced to rubble, and critical infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed. So far, only limited funding commitments have been made.
Beyond reconstruction, the new administration faces the immediate challenge of replacing Hamas’ governing structures after nearly two decades of control, while maintaining order in a population traumatized by war and displacement. How the technocratic body will be financed, protected and accepted by Palestinians on the ground remains uncertain.
Despite those unanswered questions, U.S. officials and regional mediators framed Wednesday’s announcement as a necessary step toward ending the conflict and reshaping Gaza’s future. Whether the plan can overcome political resistance, security risks and deep mistrust among all sides will determine if the fragile ceasefire can hold and lead to a lasting settlement.
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