US President Donald Trump has declared the United States’ advancement into the next stage of the Gaza peace initiative. Trump expressed support for a newly appointed Palestinian technocratic administration and emphasized the necessity for Hamas to fully demilitarize, surrendering all weapons and dismantling tunnel networks. This move follows significant humanitarian progress achieved post-ceasefire, with record levels of aid delivered to Gaza at an unprecedented pace, as acknowledged by the United Nations.
The President outlined that Gaza will be overseen by a Palestinian technocratic administration, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, during the transition period. Trump, as the Chairman of the Board of Peace, endorsed this new government structure, emphasizing the commitment of Palestinian leaders to a peaceful future. The focus of the upcoming phase will be on negotiating a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas, backed by regional partners such as Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.
In his address, Trump urged Hamas to promptly fulfill its obligations, including returning the final body to Israel and proceeding swiftly with full demilitarization. He emphasized the importance of compliance, stating that Hamas must choose to cooperate either willingly or face consequences. Senior US administration officials highlighted that the second phase of the plan shifts towards governance, demilitarization, and reconstruction, with a transitional technocratic administration set to replace both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.
Officials noted that the initial phase of the plan yielded significant humanitarian achievements, including extensive aid deliveries, vaccination campaigns, and debris removal, while upholding the ceasefire and facilitating hostage returns.
