The US envoy Steve Witkoff has announced the commencement of phase two in President Donald Trump's strategy to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which includes the establishment of a new technocratic Palestinian government. This initiative follows the successful ceasefire and partial withdrawal of Israeli forces that was achieved in phase one of the plan.
The newly formed government, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), aims to oversee both the reconstruction of Gaza and the disarmament of groups like Hamas. Witkoff emphasized that Hamas is expected to comply with its obligations, warning of serious consequences should it fail to do so.
However, the disarmament of Hamas presents challenges, as it has previously demanded the establishment of an independent Palestinian state before relinquishing arms. Concurrently, Israel has remained non-committal regarding its complete withdrawal.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with ongoing reports of civilian casualties since the ceasefire took effect, indicating the fragile nature of the truce. The international community, including mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, has expressed support for the technocratic leadership, viewing it as a step toward stabilizing the region.
As the new administration gears up, it operates under the supervision of a Peace Board chaired by President Trump, with announcements regarding its activities expected soon, particularly during Trump’s upcoming visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The success of the transition rests heavily on cooperation among Palestinian factions and addressing critical humanitarian needs in the territory.
