Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has announced the launch of phase two of the plan to end the conflict in Gaza.
The next phase involves disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing a group of Palestinian experts under American supervision.
That panel, called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), will be responsible for administering daily affairs in Gaza.
Phase two is outlined under a ceasefire deal, brokered by the US, which was secured after two years of war between Israel and Hamas.
“The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences,” Witkoff wrote in a post on X.
Sky’s US correspondent Mark Stone says the part about disarming Hamas is “clearly a huge challenge” and there is no detail on that.
“They [Hamas] haven’t disarmed. And [Israel] also wanted the remains of the last hostage to be found and brought back… that still hasn’t happened.
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“Notwithstanding both of those facts, the Americans have persuaded the Israelis to agree to move to phase two.
“The other significant point is that the Palestinians also appear happy with this move to phase two. And they are endorsing it.”
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