JERUSALEM: A US-backed plan to end the war in Gaza has entered its second phase despite unresolved disputes between Israel and Hamas over alleged ceasefire violations and issues unaddressed in the first stage. The most contentious questions remain Hamas’s refusal to publicly commit to full disarmament, a non-negotiable demand from Israel, and Israel’s lack of clarity over whether it will fully withdraw its forces from Gaza.

It includes the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government, as well as the reconstruction and demilitarisation of Gaza, US envoy Steve Witkoff says.

The US said the second phase would shift Palestinian territory 'from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction.' Under the plan, Gaza is to be run…