Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast the announcement that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza would advance to its second phase as largely symbolic.

Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.

The US has ordered Hamas to disarm fully as it announced a transitional government for Gaza and the beginning of phase two of the peace process.

The United States says it’s moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan involving disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs.

Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the second phase entailed “demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.”

A senior official said Hamas was ready to hand over administration of the Gaza Strip. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The ceasefire in Gaza is on shaky ground as Donald Trump looks to progress his peace plan on to its second phase.

WASHINGTON (TNND) — The second phase of the U.S.-brokered 20-point ceasefire plan to end the war in Gaza was launched on Wednesday, according to President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff.

The next phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, announced by US envoy Witkoff, aims at disarming Hamas and establishing a Palestinian technocratic committee. This follows ongoing clashes and Israel's demand for the return of hostages.

The White House says the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is moving into its second phase, which includes the demilitarization of Gaza, a key point in President Trump's peace plan.

Egypt, a mediator in indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, announced the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee that would operate under the overall supervision of a so-called "Board of Peace," to be chaired by US President Donald Trump.