Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy, said the US has launched phase two of its Gaza plan, aimed at establishing a technocratic Palestinian administration to govern the enclave. Witkoff warned that Washington expects Hamas to fully meet its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. He said failure to comply would bring serious consequences.
US Launches Phase Two Of Gaza Plan, Warns Hamas Over Return Of Final Deceased Hostage
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff delivers a press conference upon the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine, during the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing' summit, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 6, 2026. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Jan 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced on Wednesday that the United States has launched phase two of its plan to end the conflict in Gaza. The next stage aims to establish a technocratic Palestinian administration to govern the enclave.
What Phase Two Entails
According to Witkoff, phase two focuses on creating a temporary, technocratic administration in Gaza that would manage day-to-day governance and help stabilize the enclave as part of broader efforts to end the conflict. The announcement signals a shift toward administrative restructuring intended to ensure continuity of services and order.
"The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," Witkoff wrote on X.
Witkoff's statement frames the launch of phase two alongside a stern warning to Hamas, tying progress on the political and administrative plan to compliance on specific obligations related to hostages. The announcement was posted on X and reported by Reuters.
Reporting: Costas Pitas; Editing: Bhargav Acharya
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