Gaza peace plan phase two: Will Hamas disarm?

- Israel and international mediators have moved to a new Phase Two by appointing a Palestinian technical (technocratic) committee to guide implementation, warning that failure to comply will have “serious consequences.” - Officials say Phase One delivered a sustained ceasefire, unprecedented humanitarian access, returned living hostages, and repatriated the remains of 27 of 28 deceased hostages — though reports indicate one body remains unreturned. Separately, Israeli hostage Ran Gvili is reported still held in Gaza; Israel says securing his return is a top priority. - The IDF reported clashes after an alleged ceasefire violation in southern Gaza, saying troops killed fighters who fired on soldiers. - Regional mediators (Egypt, Turkey, Qatar) are credited with enabling progress. UAE media (citing officials and Axios) reports Hamas has privately signaled willingness to accept a staged disarmament plan, but Israel is skeptical and there is no agreed definition of “disarmament.” - The proposed gradual disarmament would target weapon factories, missiles/RPGs and other terrorist infrastructure, envisage a Gaza police force potentially trained/backed by European states and Egypt, and include limited amnesty for some affiliates. - A UN‑authorized “International Stabilization Force” is proposed to deploy in areas still under Israeli control to facilitate a phased Israeli withdrawal; several countries have shown interest but many are reluctant, especially to take on disarming armed factions. - Reconstruction needs are estimated at about $50 billion; the primary concrete success so far is sustained humanitarian access into Gaza. - Separately, Adam Witkoff posted on X that, “on behalf of President Trump,” Phase Two of a 20‑Point Plan is being launched — shifting the agenda from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction by creating a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration (NCAG) and calling for full demilitarization, including immediate return of the final deceased hostage. On Jan. 14, envoy Steve Witkoff announced that the ceasefire plan is moving into its next phase after a short delay prompted by Gaza’s complex conditions.