A U.S.-backed plan to end the war in Gaza has moved into its second phase, pushing ahead with new governance arrangements despite deep disagreements between Israel and Hamas over cease-fire violations, disarmament and Israel’s long-term military presence in the territory.
The transition follows a fragile first phase that halted large-scale Israeli assault and led to the return of nearly all hostages held by Hamas, but left critical political and security questions unresolved.
Chief among them is Hamas’ refusal to publicly commit to full disarmament, a red line for Israel, and Israel’s failure to spell out whether and when it will fully withdraw its forces from Gaza.
At the center of phase two is the creation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, tasked with managing Gaza’s day-to-day affairs during a transitional period.
The body will operate under the supervision of a newly formed international “Board of Peace,” to be chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump.
