Donald Trump announced the second phase of his Gaza peace plan today, though the foundations for peace remain unstable — at best. The latest phase will involve formation of a 15-person technocratic committee led by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath. This committee is expected to administer Gaza. Shaath, for much needed context, is a former deputy minister in the Palestinian authority.
The blueprint
Phase two’s launch follows weeks of consultations between Palestinian factions mediated by Egyptian officials in Cairo. Those talks focused on Gaza’s transition from crisis management to civilian rule, the disarmament of armed Palestinian factions, and mass-scale reconstruction.
The committee, which includes Palestinian experts in public services and civil administration, operates within the framework of the ceasefire agreement. It will also be responsible for:
• The management of civil and service affairs in Gaza.
• Coordinate infrastructure reconstruction efforts.
• Improve basic services such as health, education and energy.
Mediators believe that the formation of this body could provide temporary stability. Nevertheless, the larger question of whether armed groups will disarm remains a key sticking point.
A new start, or more of the same
This phase is part of a multi-step plan designed to transform the cessation of hostilities into long-term stability, using mechanisms and implementation pathways that involve the international community.
Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to the Middle East, emphasised that a complete transition to a technocratic administration would require ‘full demilitarisation.’ He stated that this would entail all unauthorised personnel — referring specifically to Gaza-based resistance factions — laying down their arms.
Regional peers react
Regional peers, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, involved in mediation efforts, have welcomed the formation of the committee. They hope this development would contribute to consolidating stability and improving humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. In addition, their joint statement, issued in Cairo, affirmed that the move lays the groundwork for implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This phase aligns with the US peace plan.
Other statements also underscored the importance of all parties committing to the full implementation of the agreements. These agreements include creating conditions for reconstruction and providing humanitarian aid. Alongside this, there are international efforts to support the committee in carrying out its responsibilities.
The position of Palestinian factions
Several Palestinian factions back the establishment of a civil administration led by technocrats, able to rebuild Gaza away from political disputes. Meanwhile, Hamas has confirmed its willingness to transfer administrative authority to the committee during the transitional phase. However, other groups have voiced concerns about the absence of a Palestinian legal framework that governs the next phase.
Challenges ahead
Despite relative agreement on the a technocrat-led administration, logistical and political challenges remain.
These include the willingness of existing factions to hand over powers to the new committee, and their ability to work alongside the Palestinian Authority. Finances are another point of concern, without which the committee will be severely limited in what it can accomplish.
It appears that Cairo will host the committee’s first meetings, in coordination with international parties.
While the formation of a technocratic committee may sound like a step toward progress, it remains to be seen whether this is a genuine breakthrough or just another round of rearranging the deck chairs on Gaza’s sinking ship. The first phase of the ceasefire deal, after all, remains unfulfilled.
Featured image via the Canary
By Alaa Shamali
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