What's happened
On January 14-16, 2026, the US announced the transition to Phase Two of its 20-point Gaza peace plan, focusing on Hamas disarmament, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. A 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee was formed to administer Gaza under international supervision, despite ongoing Israeli strikes and unresolved issues like the return of the last Israeli hostage and full Israeli withdrawal.
What's behind the headline?
Complex Transition Amid Fragile Ceasefire
The move to Phase Two marks a critical juncture in the Gaza peace process, yet it is fraught with challenges. The US-led plan hinges on Hamas' disarmament and Israel's military withdrawal—both unresolved and contentious. Hamas has agreed to cede governance to a technocratic committee but refuses to relinquish its weapons without a Palestinian state guarantee, while Israel demands full disarmament before withdrawal.
Governance and Reconstruction Challenges
The newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Ali Shaath and overseen by the US-chaired Board of Peace, faces the monumental task of managing daily affairs and spearheading reconstruction amid severe infrastructure damage and humanitarian crises. The committee's technocratic nature aims to depoliticize governance, but its legitimacy and authority remain uncertain given Hamas' continued military presence.
International Mediation and Political Stakes
Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey play pivotal mediation roles, facilitating dialogue and supporting the committee's formation. The US seeks broader international involvement through the Board of Peace, though securing commitments from global leaders remains challenging. The timing of the Board's first meeting at the World Economic Forum underscores the geopolitical significance.
Outlook and Implications
Without concrete timelines for Israeli withdrawal or Hamas disarmament, the ceasefire's durability is precarious. Continued Israeli strikes and humanitarian restrictions undermine trust and stability. The reconstruction effort, estimated at over $50 billion, will span decades, requiring sustained international funding and political will. The success of Phase Two will depend on bridging deep mistrust, enforcing disarmament, and delivering tangible improvements to Gaza's population.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports President Trump's announcement of Phase Two, emphasizing disarmament and technocratic governance, but notes ongoing Israeli strikes and humanitarian shortages. The Times of Israel highlights US claims of Hamas' tentative agreement to disarm heavy weapons and the planned 'buy-back' program, while also detailing Israel's insistence on full disarmament including light arms. The Independent discusses the fragile nature of Phase One and the challenges ahead, including the unclear fate of Hamas' military wing and the massive reconstruction needs. Sky News underscores the difficulties in disarming Hamas and Israel's reluctance to withdraw without it, while The New Arab provides insight into the formation of the Palestinian technocratic committee and broad Palestinian faction support, including Hamas and Fatah. France 24 details the committee's expected leadership and the role of Nickolay Mladenov as Board of Peace director-general. Across sources, there is consensus on the ambitious scope of Phase Two but skepticism about its feasibility given unresolved security and political issues. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with aid restrictions and ongoing violence complicating progress.
How we got here
The Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023, leading to a US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025. Phase One focused on halting hostilities, hostage exchanges, and humanitarian aid. However, Israeli military presence and Hamas' refusal to disarm stalled progress. The US plan aims to demilitarize Gaza, establish a technocratic administration, and rebuild the territory under international oversight.
Go deeper
- What are the main challenges facing the new Gaza technocratic committee?
- How is Hamas responding to the disarmament demands?
- What role will the international Board of Peace play in Gaza's future?
Common question
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What Does the Gaza Ceasefire Phase Two Mean for the Region?
The transition to Gaza's Phase Two marks a critical point in efforts to end ongoing conflict and rebuild. This phase focuses on disarmament, establishing governance, and regional cooperation. But what exactly does this mean for Gaza, Israel, and the wider Middle East? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex process and what it could mean for future peace efforts.
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What’s the latest on the Gaza ceasefire and peace efforts?
The Gaza conflict remains a complex and evolving situation, with recent developments focusing on a new phase of peace negotiations. As international efforts intensify, many are asking what the current status is, what challenges lie ahead, and who are the key players involved. Below, we explore the latest updates on Gaza’s peace process, the role of global mediators, and what this means for the region’s future.
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What’s Next After the Gaza Ceasefire Moves to Phase Two?
The recent transition to Phase Two of the US-led Gaza peace plan has raised many questions. With efforts focused on disarming Hamas, rebuilding Gaza, and establishing a technocratic government, the path forward remains complex and uncertain. People are wondering what the next steps are, why certain parties refuse to disarm, and what could happen if peace talks break down. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this critical phase in Gaza’s peace process.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Mahmoud Abbas, also known by the kunya Abu Mazen, is the President of the State of Palestine and Palestinian National Authority.
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Nickolai Evtimov Mladenov is a Bulgarian politician and diplomat who served as the minister of foreign affairs in the government of then prime minister Boyko Borisov from 2010 to 2013.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.