US announces next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan as Committee Is formed to run battered enclave

The United States on Thursday, January 15, announced the start of the next phase of its Gaza ceasefire plan, alongside the formation of a new committee tasked with overseeing the daily administration of the war-ravaged enclave. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said the second phase of the 20-point ceasefire plan would focus on demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction. However, he did not provide detailed explanations on how some of the most complex elements of the agreement would be implemented. The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage, Witkoff said in a post on X. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences. The transition to phase two comes despite Israeli objections over the lack of progress on Hamas disarmament and the continued holding of the remains of one hostage, Ran Gvili. In response, Israel has refused to open the Rafah crossing between Israel and Egypt. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to block the move to the next phase, saying Israel could not begin healing until Gvilis remains are returned. Netanyahu, while not directly addressing Witkoffs announcement, reiterated Israels demand for the return of the hostages body. A US official said efforts to recover Gvilis remains were ongoing, noting that communication channels remain open and that several possible locations are being investigated. The second phase of the agreement requires the deployment of an International Stabilization Force to Gaza to support Palestinian police and enable Israel to withdraw from remaining occupied areas. However, few countries have publicly committed personnel to the force. The US said several nations are involved and that formal announcements would be made at a later date. According to US officials, local Palestinian police are expected to play a central role in maintaining order. On the issue of Hamas demilitarisation, the US said it seeks the destruction of terror infrastructure in Gaza and the neutralisation of heavy weapons such as rockets and missile launchers. We believe there is a good chance that all parties will keep their commitments and that progress can be made, a US official said. The announcement also coincided with the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which is expected to handle governance during the interim period.   Under the agreement, the committee will operate until a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume control, a prospect strongly opposed by Netanyahu, who also rejects any pathway to Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the move, thanking US President Donald Trump for efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and advance reconstruction. Palestinian factions led by Hamas also expressed support for the plan and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the remaining stages of the agreement. Hamas has said it has directed its agencies to transfer authority to the new committee. Analysts caution that while the committee may help restore basic services and ease humanitarian suffering, it cannot replace accountable political leadership. They argue that long-term stability will require an end to the occupation, comprehensive reconstruction and leadership that reflects the will of the Palestinian people. The committee is expected to be overseen by a Trump-led Board of Peace. While the US has not officially named members of either body, officials said announcements are expected in the coming days. Israel was given veto power over committee appointments and insisted that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority be represented. Israeli officials confirmed that the countrys internal security agency has approved the list of committee members. The post US announces next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan as Committee Is formed to run battered enclave appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.