Washington says it is now pivoting its Gaza policy beyond the ceasefire
By Sammy,
Washington says it is now pivoting its Gaza policy beyond the ceasefire, as US special envoy Steve Witkoff announces the launch of the second phase of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the war.
In a statement, Witkoff says the new stage will move "from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction," adding that it "establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza - the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)" and begins "the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel."
He also warns Hamas that "the US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage," saying any failure to do so "will bring serious consequences."
Reflecting on the previous phase, Witkoff says "phase one delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of 27 of the 28 deceased hostages," and he thanks Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar "for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible."
Topics: Gaza, Diplomacy
Reported by Sammy for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.