The US announced the start of phase two of President Trump's Gaza peace plan. US envoy Steve Witkoff made the announcement today. The plan aims to establish a technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza.

Phase two focuses on reconstruction and full demilitarization of Gaza. This includes disarming Hamas and other Palestinian groups. Witkoff stressed Hamas must comply with its obligations. These obligations include returning the body of the last dead Israeli hostage. Failure to comply will bring serious consequences, he warned.

Hamas has previously refused to disarm without an independent Palestinian state. Israel has not fully committed to withdrawing from Gaza. The ceasefire, agreed to in October under phase one, remains fragile. Both sides continue to trade accusations of violations.

Phase one saw a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. It also included a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli withdrawal, and increased aid to Gaza. The US expects phase two to build on these initial agreements.

The success of phase two hinges on Hamas' cooperation and Israel's commitment. Future developments will depend on negotiations and adherence to the ceasefire.