Gaza Is Entering Second Stage of Cease-Fire Plan, Says U.S., as Committee Leader Is Named

The U.S. announced the launch of “Phase Two” of President Donald Trump’s Gaza cease-fire plan on Wednesday, officially embarking on the “demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction” of the territory. Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed a Palestinian Authority titled the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be established to oversee the rebuilding efforts. Wifkoff also emphasized that the U.S. “expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations” and called for the militant group to release the body of Ran Gvili, the final deceased hostage. He warned a lack of compliance would bring “serious consequences.” Witkoff did not offer further information as to who would be on the committee and what the reconstruction of Gaza might look like.  The White House did not immediately respond to TIME’s request for further information. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, the mediators of the cease-fire deal, in a joint statement shared after Witkoff’s update, announced that the committee will be headed by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. The countries expressed hope that this next phase of the deal will bring “security, stability, and a dignified life” for the Palestinian people. Hussein Al-Sheikh, the vice president of the Palestine Liberation Organization, also welcomed news of the progress in Gaza. Al-Sheikh stated the importance of not creating any arrangements that might cause further division, while highlighting the need for local figures to work with the United States “and relevant partners to take decisive steps in the West Bank in parallel with the transitional phase in Gaza.” Phase One of the cease-fire deal faced a number of challenges. Hamas, which has ruled over Gaza for 18 years and has yet to disarm, did not return the remains of the final hostage. The Israeli airstrikes that have taken place since the cease-fire came into effect in October have also halted progress. It’s understood that throughout Phase Two, the committee will handle the day-to-day items in Gaza and will be overseen by the Trump-led “Gaza Board of Peace.” The members of the board have yet to be confirmed. Reports have named various high-profile figures—such as former United Nations Middle East envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair—as potential committee members. There have also been multiple reports that the current U.K. Prime Minister, Keir Starmer—who has cultivated a strong, working relationship with Trump—has been asked to serve on the board. TIME has been told that conversations regarding the make-up of the board are ongoing, but Starmer has yet to receive a formal invite. According to Reuters, an announcement regarding the Board of Peace is set to be made at DAVOS next week.