### US Launches Second Phase of Gaza Peace Plan Amid Ongoing Conflict The United States has officially initiated the second phase of its peace plan for Gaza, which aims to transition from a ceasefire to a framework of demilitarization, governance, and reconstruction. This phase, announced by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, includes the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian administration to oversee the territory. The plan is part of a broader 20-point strategy originally proposed by former President Donald Trump, and it seeks to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has persisted for two years. Notably, the US expects compliance from Hamas regarding the return of hostages and disarmament, although key elements from the first phase remain unfulfilled, including a complete ceasefire [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/15/us-backed-plan-to-end-war-in-gaza-moves-into-second-phase_6749436_4.html][https://www.firstpost.com/world/witkoff-announces-launch-of-second-phase-of-trumps-gaza-ceasefire-plan-13968878.html]. ### Structure of the US Gaza Peace Plan's Second Phase 1. **Transition to Technocratic Governance** - Establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to manage civil affairs. - The committee will be chaired by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official [https://www.nation.com.pk/15-jan-2026/us-announces-start-of-phase-two-gaza-peace-plan]. 2. **Demilitarization Efforts** - Focus on disarming unauthorized personnel and ensuring compliance from Hamas regarding weapon surrender [https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-01-15-us-launches-gaza-plans-second-phase-forms-palestinian-committee]. - The US has indicated that failure to comply will result in serious consequences for Hamas [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/gaza-is-entering-the-second-phase-of-the-ceasefire-plan-trump-helped-broker-us-says-article-13773714.html]. 3. **Reconstruction Initiatives** - Plans for rebuilding Gaza's infrastructure and improving humanitarian conditions, which have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3770013-new-era-for-gaza-us-leads-phase-two-for-peace]. - The US has highlighted the importance of international cooperation, particularly from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, in facilitating these efforts [https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/us-launches-phase-two-of-gaza-peace-plan-announces-technocratic-rule]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Objectives of Phase Two:** - **Technocratic Governance:** Establishment of a 15-member committee to oversee Gaza's administration [https://lnginnorthernbc.ca/2026/01/15/gaza-second-phase-of-ceasefire-and-technocratic-committee-announced-by-witkoff]. - **Demilitarization:** A clear expectation for Hamas to disarm and return hostages, with the US emphasizing compliance [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/us-launches-gaza-phase-two-of-plan-to-end-conflict-announces-technocratic-government-glbs-2852139-2026-01-15]. - **Reconstruction Plans:** Initiatives aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and improving living conditions for Gazans [https://www.theweek.in/news/middle-east/2026/01/15/trump-unveils-phase-ii-of-gaza-plan-demilitarisation-reconstruction-and-a-new-government.html]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Path Forward The launch of the second phase of the US peace plan for Gaza represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, **the success of this initiative hinges on several critical factors**: 1. **Compliance from Hamas:** The expectation for disarmament and the return of hostages is paramount. 2. **International Cooperation:** Continued support from mediating nations like Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar is essential for effective implementation. 3. **Addressing Humanitarian Needs:** The reconstruction efforts must prioritize the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In summary, while the US has made strides in establishing a framework for peace, the challenges ahead remain substantial and require concerted efforts from all parties involved [https://www.arise.tv/us-begins-phase-two-of-gaza-peace-plan-with-new-technocratic-palestinian-authority][https://www.telesurenglish.net/u-s-phase-2-trump-gaza-plan-disarmament].