U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, disclosed the formation of a Palestinian technocratic entity to oversee the reconstruction and governance of Gaza under a phased U.S. initiative. Witkoff, representing President Trump, introduced Phase Two of the President’s 20-Point Plan for Gaza, transitioning from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic administration, and reconstruction.
The specifics of disarming Hamas, which has regrouped during the recent ceasefire, as mandated by the plan, remain uncertain. In October, Israel and Hamas endorsed Trump’s proposal, designating an international “Board of Peace” to supervise the technocratic body governing Gaza temporarily.
The newly established 15-member Palestinian committee, led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, was inaugurated on Wednesday. Notable figures, including individuals from the private sector and NGOs, were selected by Nickolay Mladenov to serve on the Board of Peace, with more details anticipated at an upcoming event in Davos, Switzerland.
Addressing the demilitarization challenge, Witkoff emphasized the disarmament of unauthorized personnel as part of the second phase of Trump’s plan. Hamas is urged to comply fully with its obligations, including the timely return of the remaining hostage, to avoid severe consequences.
While Hamas has not committed to relinquishing its arms, it agreed previously to transfer governance to a technocratic committee. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank expressed support for Trump’s initiative to advance the phased plan for Gaza, emphasizing the coordination of institutions in Gaza with those in the West Bank.
Despite ongoing violence and breaches on both sides, Trump is pushing forward with the second phase of the plan, which includes the establishment of the Board of Peace and potential deployment of peacekeeping forces. The ceasefire initiated under the plan has been marred by casualties, with over 440 individuals killed by Israeli actions since its inception in October.
Hamas representatives and other factions are engaging in discussions in Cairo regarding the second phase, focusing on disarmament. The completion of Israeli withdrawals in Gaza is contingent upon disarmament, a condition Hamas links to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Both Hamas and Fatah have endorsed the committee members’ list, which includes diverse individuals from various sectors.
The United Nations estimates the reconstruction of Gaza will require over $50 billion and span several years, with limited financial commitments received thus far.
