The United States (US) has launched the second phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace initiative, shifting attention from ceasefire management to demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction.
Read More: Trump backs transitional Palestinian panel to govern Gaza
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the move in a social media post on Friday, describing it as a transition “from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.” He said the initiative aims to stabilise the war-torn enclave by creating a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration and beginning the “full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza,” prioritising disarmament of “all unauthorized personnel.”
Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President’s 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.
Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic…
— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) January 14, 2026
Witkoff warned Hamas of consequences for non-compliance and demanded the group return the remains of the final hostage, stating that US expectations for full adherence remained unchanged. He also praised mediators Egypt, Turkey and Qatar for what he called “indispensable” diplomatic support throughout the negotiations.
According to Washington, “Phase One” of the plan delivered significant breakthroughs, including the maintenance of a ceasefire, humanitarian aid deliveries, the release of all surviving hostages and the retrieval of 27 of 28 deceased captives.
View this post on Instagram
Earlier in the day, the White House confirmed the establishment of a high-profile “Board of Peace,” an executive panel tasked with overseeing policy portfolios ranging from governance to reconstruction financing. Members include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Witkoff, Jared Kushner, World Bank President Ajay Banga and former British prime minister Tony Blair.
The board will coordinate investments, regional diplomacy and international resources while maintaining accountability during Gaza’s post-war transition. The US also intends to deploy an international stabilisation force and name a high representative to oversee governance, security and reconstruction.
Read More: Gaza governance panel holds first meeting in Cairo
Despite diplomatic progress, tensions in Gaza persist. Hamas has yet to commit to disarmament or return the final hostage’s remains — both key conditions for moving forward. Sporadic clashes and intermittent strikes have also raised doubts about prospects for lasting peace as talks over demilitarisation and political transition intensify in the coming weeks.