The United States has announced the launch of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, shifting focus from ceasefire implementation to demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction.

In a social media post, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that the high-profile ‘Board of Peace’ unveiled on Friday was a move “from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction”.

Witkoff said the initiative marks a decisive move toward stabilising the war-ravaged territory, declaring: “Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two… moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.”

He said the plan will establish “a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza,” and begin “the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel.”

Warning Hamas of consequences for non-compliance, Witkoff added: “The United States 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 said the initial stage had produced significant results, noting that “Phase One delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages.”

He also expressed gratitude to regional mediators, saying Egypt, Turkey and Qatar played “indispensable” roles in advancing the agreement.

‘Board of Peace’ unveiled

Earlier Friday, the White House said it has formed an executive panel tasked with implementing the plan, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Witkoff, Jared Kushner, World Bank President Ajay Banga and former British prime minister Tony Blair, among others.

The panel will supervise portfolios ranging from governance and regional diplomacy to reconstruction financing and investment mobilisation.

According to the White House statement, the broader ‘Board of Peace’ will provide strategic oversight, coordinate international resources, and ensure accountability during Gaza’s transition from conflict to development.

The US also plans to deploy an international stabilisation force and appoint a high representative to coordinate governance, security and reconstruction efforts in Gaza under the transitional framework.

The announcement comes amid continuing tensions on the ground, with Hamas still refusing to disarm and yet to return the remains of the final hostage — a key requirement of the first phase.

Although the ceasefire achieved in October has reduced large-scale hostilities, it has been punctuated by sporadic clashes and airstrikes, leaving the outlook for lasting peace uncertain.

President Trump described the newly formed board as “the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled,” according to a social media post announcing the initiative.

Analysts say the coming weeks will test whether Washington can translate the ambitious blueprint into tangible progress on governance, security and reconstruction in Gaza, as negotiations over demilitarisation and political transition intensify.