On January 15, 2026, American President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff officially announced on Wednesday, January 14, the initiation of the second phase of the plan to end the Gaza conflict. This phase marks a shift from ceasefire to political reconstruction, with the core goal of establishing a technocratic administration in Gaza.
The focus of the second phase lies in the reconstruction of Gaza and comprehensive demilitarization, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian groups.
“The United States hopes that Hamas fulfills its obligations,” he warned, noting that these obligations include returning the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage, or “serious consequences will follow.”
This multi-year plan aims to help Gaza break free from the two-year-long conflict. The first phase, achieved in October of last year, saw the implementation of a ceasefire, the exchange of the majority of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid.
According to Trump’s “20-Point Peace Plan,” the second phase will see the establishment of a 15-member transitional administrative body in Gaza, officially named the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). Witkoff did not reveal who would lead this committee.
Reports from BBC citing regional mediators indicate that this 15-member body will be led by Ali Shaath. He was a former deputy planning minister of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority (PA) and is seen as a technocratic candidate acceptable to all parties.
The committee will operate under the direct oversight of the Board of Peace. President Trump himself will personally serve as the chairman of the committee, directly overseeing the stability of Gaza’s political situation. Former United Nations Special Envoy for the Middle East Nikolay Mladenov will act as the committee’s representative on the ground in Gaza, responsible for coordination.
After the United States issued a statement, regional mediators including Egypt, Gaza, and Turkey expressed their welcome for the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, stating that it “contributes to strengthening efforts aimed at consolidating stability and improving the humanitarian situation.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Hamas and its ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad issued a joint statement agreeing to support the formation of a technocratic government. Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy chairman of the Palestinian Authority led by Hamas rival Fatah, also praised Trump’s leadership for “creating new opportunities for peace.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated Wednesday evening that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken with the parents of the deceased hostage Ran Gvili, emphasizing that retrieving the body remains a “top priority.” He stressed that the declarative action of establishing the technocratic committee would not hinder Israel’s efforts to recover the hostage’s body.
Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer, was one of the 251 people kidnapped during a Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed. In response to this cross-border raid, Israel launched military operations against Gaza.