Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, announced on 14/1 that Washington has initiated phase two of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This phase will lead to the "complete demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, with a focus on disarming all illegal armed groups".

Phase one of the ceasefire agreement began on 10/10/2025. It involved the exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and its allies for Palestinian prisoners captured by Israel. Following this, the Israeli military partially withdrew across the Ranh gioi Vang, but maintained control over much of Gaza's territory.

US President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, at the White House on 28/5/2025. Photo: AFP

In phase two, the US will establish a "national committee to manage Gaza", comprising Palestinian technocratic experts. This committee is expected to take over the administration of the strip during a transitional period.

Witkoff did not provide details or names of proposed members for the Gaza management committee. This committee cannot begin operations until it receives authority from a "peace council" led by Trump. This council has not yet been formed.

"The US expects Hamas to fulfill its obligations completely, including the immediate return of the remains of deceased hostages. Failure to comply will result in severe consequences for Hamas," Witkoff stated.

While Witkoff did not disclose specifics about the transitional committee, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty indicated that the parties have agreed on a list of 15 members.

Two individuals mentioned as potential candidates to lead the committee are Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official, and Majed Abu Ramadan, head of the Palestinian health authority.

Shijaiya street in Gaza City lies in ruins after the Hamas-Israel conflict, on 5/11/2025. Photo: AP

Regional diplomats report that Nickolay Mladenov, a veteran Bulgarian diplomat who previously worked for the UN, will oversee the committee's activities. Mladenov is currently facilitating contacts between Palestinian and Israeli officials.

Mladenov will report directly to Trump's peace council, which is expected to include a group of world leaders. US officials anticipate the council's membership list will be announced in the coming days.

During the implementation of phase one of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza decreased in intensity but did not cease, resulting in approximately 450 Palestinian deaths. To date, the parties have not reached an agreement on disarming Hamas.

The Ranh gioi Vang between the Israeli military's presence and the area still controlled by Hamas under the phase one ceasefire agreement. Graphic: BBC

Duc Trung (According to Guardian, AFP, AP)