WASHINGTON — US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of phase two of President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, outlining the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government alongside the territory’s reconstruction and full demilitarisation.

Witkoff said the second phase includes the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, stressing that Washington expects full compliance from Hamas with its obligations under the plan.

“The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations,” he said, warning that failure to do so, including the return of the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage, “will bring serious consequences.”

Phase two follows an initial ceasefire agreement reached in October between Hamas and Israel, which included a halt to fighting, a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli military withdrawal, and an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries.

The formation of a 15-member transitional government in Gaza, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, was previously announced by Egypt. The body is set to oversee governance in the territory during the transition period.

Under the US plan, the committee will operate under the supervision of a “Board of Peace,” which would be chaired by Trump, according to the 20-point proposal unveiled three months ago. — Agencies