Witkoff Announces Launch of Phase 2 of Gaza Plan

Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, announced Wednesday that Phase two of the administration’s Gaza plan is beginning, launching a new stage focused on demilitarization, technocratic governance, and large-scale reconstruction, according to officials familiar with the initiative.

The move comes as Hamas terrorists continue to violate the ceasefire on a near-daily basis and as one hostage is still held in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the terrorists not returning the last murdered hostage held in Gaza, the Trump administration is pressing forward with its broader vision for Gaza’s future, viewing Phase two as a necessary step toward stabilizing the territory and dismantling Hamas’s grip on civilian life.

Two weeks ago, President Trump met in Florida with the family of Ran Gvili Hy’d, the final remaining hostage in Gaza, and pledged to work toward the return of his body. Administration officials have indicated that while the hostage issue remains a priority, it has not been formally tied to a halt in the rollout of Phase two.

Trump has repeatedly described his long-term vision for Gaza as transforming the territory into a “prosperous Riviera of the Middle East,” a goal that has drawn skepticism as Hamas continues to refuse disarmament – a central pillar of the administration’s plan first unveiled last October.

Under Phase two, a Palestinian technocratic government is to be established to oversee Gaza’s civilian administration, including sanitation, infrastructure, and education, according to the sources. Demilitarization of the territory is viewed as essential to enabling reconstruction and preventing the reemergence of terrorist control.

The framework also calls for the creation of a Peace Board tasked with providing international coordination and strategic oversight. Former UN Middle East envoy and former Bulgarian foreign minister Nickolay Mladenov is expected to play a senior role, serving as a liaison between the technocratic administration and the Peace Board.

Speaking earlier this week aboard Air Force One, Trump said the board would include “the most important leaders from the most important countries,” without naming specific participants.

Witkoff, working closely with senior adviser Jared Kushner, played a central role in shaping the Phase 2 blueprint, which is expected to outline immediate measures to stabilize Gaza and protect civilians, followed by longer-term reconstruction efforts aimed at turning the territory into a regional economic and technological hub.

One unresolved component of the plan is the formation of an International Stabilization Force that would be responsible for maintaining order during the transition period. Officials said discussions are ongoing, with potential contributing countries expressing concern about being perceived as an occupying force and about the risk of attacks by Hamas terrorists.

U.S. officials have privately acknowledged that Hamas’s continued influence presents a major obstacle to reconstruction and governance, but maintain that sustained pressure and the establishment of an alternative governing structure will gradually erode the group’s control.

On Sunday, Hamas announced it would dissolve its current governing structure once the technocratic administration formally assumes authority, a declaration U.S. officials are treating cautiously as Phase 2 moves from planning to implementation.