Gaza: The Gaza ceasefire agreement has entered a more complex second phase this week after nearly two years of an Israeli war that has reshaped the enclave's humanitarian and political landscape. The new phase aims to move beyond a military pause toward long-term political and security arrangements, including disarmament, the creation of a transitional administration, and the launch of reconstruction efforts.
According to Anadolu Agency, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced that this phase is part of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. Witkoff emphasized the transition 'from a ceasefire to disarmament, technocratic governance and reconstruction,' with expectations from Washington that Hamas will fulfill its commitments, including the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive.
The main elements of the second phase, which began on October 10, include the establishment of an interim 'peace council'. This council is tasked with preparing the political and security ground for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza while overseeing disarmament arrangements. Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reports that Trump is preparing to form the council, which he is expected to chair, with former UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov managing operations.
The agreement also addresses additional Israeli military withdrawals, as Israeli forces currently control significant portions of Gaza. However, Israel has indicated it will not withdraw until progress is made on Hamas' disarmament, and preparations are underway for potential military intervention if necessary.
Hamas has stated its intention to retain its weapons, framing itself as a 'resistance movement' against what the UN considers Israeli occupation in Palestinian territories. Concurrently, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar have welcomed the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer the Gaza Strip, a significant step towards stability and humanitarian improvement.
The second phase also envisions a large-scale reconstruction effort, with the UN estimating the cost at approximately $70 billion. However, discussions around reopening the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt remain unresolved, with Israel using it as leverage for the return of Israeli captive remains.
Furthermore, the US is working towards establishing an 'international stabilization force' for deployment in Gaza, with potential contributions from Italy, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Azerbaijan. A UN Security Council resolution authorizes the creation of this temporary international force through the end of 2027.
Palestinian factions have expressed support for the formation of a 'transitional Palestinian national committee' to administer Gaza, urging the Peace Council to pressure Israel to halt attacks and allow border openings for aid delivery. Since the ceasefire, Israeli forces have killed 451 Palestinians, with the war resulting in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths and 171,000 injuries.
The first phase of the agreement involved a ceasefire and limited humanitarian aid, deemed insufficient by Palestinian groups. It also included the exchange of captives and prisoners, revealing signs of severe mistreatment. Since the agreement, Israel has committed numerous ceasefire violations, causing additional casualties and detentions.
Israel, established in 1948, continues to resist withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state.