On Wednesday, the U.S. declared the launch of “Phase Two” of President Donald Trump’s initiative, formally starting the process of “demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction” in the Gaza Strip.
Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that a Palestinian body named the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be established to oversee rebuilding efforts. Wifkoff also emphasized that the U.S. “expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations” and called on the militant group to release the body of Ran Gvili, the final deceased hostage. He warned that a lack of compliance would bring “serious consequences.”
Witkoff did not provide further details about the committee’s members or what Gaza’s reconstruction might entail.
The White House did not immediately respond to TIME’s request for additional information.
Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—mediators of the cease-fire deal—in a joint statement shared after Witkoff’s update, announced that the committee will be led 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” to the Palestinian people.
Hussein Al-Sheikh, vice president of the Palestine Liberation Organization, also welcomed news of the progress in Gaza.
Al-Sheikh emphasized the importance of not creating any arrangements that could 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 several challenges. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for 18 years and has yet to disarm, did not return the remains of the final hostage. Israeli airstrikes that have occurred since the cease-fire took effect in October have also halted progress.
It is understood that throughout Phase Two, the committee will handle Gaza’s day-to-day affairs and will be overseen by the Trump-led “Gaza Board of Peace.”
The board’s members have yet to be confirmed. Reports have named various high-profile figures—such as a former United Nations Middle East envoy (name unspecified) and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair—as potential members. Multiple reports also indicate that current U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer—details unspecified—has been asked to serve on the board.
TIME has been told that conversations about the board’s composition 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.
