US says Gaza truce enters phase two, after forming Palestinian committee • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Ceasefire Plan (20-point plan): The US-proposed plan for a ceasefire in Gaza, currently in its proposed second phase.
• Demilitarization: The process of reducing or eliminating military forces and weaponry. Specifically, the disarmament of Hamas and “unauthorized personnel” in Gaza.
• Technocratic Committee: A 15-member body intended to manage daily life and provide basic services in Gaza.
• Peace Council: A supervisory body for the Technocratic Committee, headed by Donald Trump.
• Hamas: The Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization currently controlling the Gaza Strip.
• Mahmud Abbas: The current President of the Palestinian Authority.

US Ceasefire Plan: Phase Two – Demilitarization and Governance of Gaza

The White House is currently demanding the disarmament of Hamas and the return of the remaining Israeli hostage as preconditions for the second phase of its 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza. White House envoy Steve Witcoff publicly outlined this phase, emphasizing “full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza,” with a primary focus on the disarmament of all “unauthorized personnel.” Witcoff explicitly stated the US expects full compliance from Hamas, warning of “serious consequences” for non-compliance. This represents a significant escalation in the US position, moving beyond a simple cessation of hostilities to a fundamental restructuring of security in the region.

Formation of a Technocratic Committee for Gaza Governance

Recent discussions in Cairo have yielded a consensus regarding the composition of a 15-member technocratic committee intended to assume administrative control of Gaza. This committee’s primary function will be to manage daily life and deliver essential services to the Palestinian population, who are currently facing significant hardship. The committee is reportedly to be chaired by Ali Sha, previously the deputy minister of the Palestinian Authority. Crucially, formal approval from Mahmud Abbas’s government is required for the committee’s establishment. Reports indicate that Hamas has signaled its support for the committee’s formation, though the extent of this support remains unclear given their reluctance to disarm.

Supervisory Structure: The Peace Council and On-the-Ground Representation

The US plan establishes a supervisory structure for the Technocratic Committee in the form of a “Peace Council,” headed by Donald Trump. This council will oversee the committee’s operations. On-the-ground representation for the Peace Council will be provided by Bulgarian diplomat Nicoloy Mladengh. This layered governance structure suggests a significant degree of international oversight and intervention in the administration of Gaza.

Challenges and Obstacles to Implementation

Despite the progress in outlining the governance structure, significant obstacles remain. Hamas has not yet agreed to disarm, a core demand of the US plan. Furthermore, Israel continues to maintain a military presence within much of the territory, complicating the implementation of full Palestinian control. The task of governing Gaza, described as “herculean,” is further compounded by the extensive destruction of infrastructure and the dire humanitarian situation.

Key Statements

“The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.” – Steve Witcoff, White House Envoy. This statement underscores the US’s firm stance and willingness to impose repercussions for non-compliance.

Synthesis

The US ceasefire plan’s second phase hinges on the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a technocratic committee to govern Gaza. While a consensus on the committee’s composition has been reached, significant challenges remain, including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and the continued Israeli occupation. The plan’s success depends on overcoming these obstacles and securing full compliance from all parties involved, a prospect that appears increasingly uncertain given the current dynamics. The involvement of Donald Trump as head of the Peace Council introduces a potentially unpredictable element to the process.