Trump Launches Second Phase of Peace Plan

On January 16, 2026, President Donald Trump, alongside Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, unveiled the second phase of the U.S.-backed Hamas-Israel peace initiative. This phase aims to transition from a ceasefire to postwar governance. However, there’s skepticism about whether the prerequisites for the first phase, particularly the disarmament of Hamas, have actually been accomplished.

Witkoff shared on X, “We are announcing the start of the second phase of the President’s 20-point plan to end the conflict in Gaza, moving from a ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.”

He elaborated that this phase will initiate “the complete demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza” with a focus on disarming “all unauthorized personnel.” Plans also include setting up a temporary technocratic Palestinian authority, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

“The second phase will establish the NCAG and kick off the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza,” he stated.

Witkoff emphasized that the U.S. expects Hamas to meet its obligations, which include the immediate return of the last deceased hostage. Failure to comply could lead to severe repercussions.

Witkoff’s communication touched upon the incomplete tasks from the initial phase, highlighting Hamas’s hesitance to disarm.

Witkoff tweeted, “Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the start of the second phase of his 20-point plan to end the conflict in Gaza…”

In support of this initiative, President Trump echoed Witkoff’s statements on Truth Social. He noted that since the ceasefire, significant humanitarian aid has reached Gaza, a milestone recognized even by the United Nations.

“Since the ceasefire, my team has delivered record levels of aid to Gaza, reaching civilians at historic speed and scale,” Trump remarked.

Initiating the Peace Council on January 15, Trump asserted that its members would soon be announced, touting it as “the greatest and most honorable board ever assembled.”

Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, expressed optimism about the recent developments, marking it as a key moment in Middle Eastern history.

Kushner has previously collaborated with Witkoff to outline the 20-point agreement aimed at ceasing hostilities in the region. This new council is anticipated to dispatch international security forces once Hamas is disarmed, aligning with one of the plan’s key provisions.

Trump reiterated a strong commitment to disarming Hamas, emphasizing cooperation with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to finalize a comprehensive demilitarization agreement, which includes surrendering weapons and dismantling tunnels.

“Hamas must immediately honor its commitments, including the return of remains to Israel,” he indicated, further asserting, “The time is now. Peace through force.”

The last identified hostage is Ran Gviri, with Israeli authorities noting that ensuring his repatriation is a high priority.

“They can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Trump concluded.