The US has announced that the second phase of the plan to end the war in Gaza is beginning.

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Special Representative Whitcoff noted that within this phase of the presidential plan, a temporary administration will be established, and the process of demilitarization and reconstruction in Gaza will begin.

According to him, the USA expects that Hamas will fulfill all obligations arising from the agreement, including the return of the last Israeli hostage's body. Whitcoff warned that failure to meet these requirements will lead to serious consequences.

According to the agreement reached in October 2025 between Israel and Hamas, the parties agreed to a ceasefire and accepted the peace plan proposed by the Trump administration. The first phase of this initiative included the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Earlier in January, The Times of Israel and The Wall Street Journal reported that the Israel Defense Forces had developed new plans for a possible ground operation in areas controlled by Hamas in Gaza.

The operation is reportedly scheduled for March 2026, but its implementation depends on the support of the USA, which continues to insist on the disarmament of Hamas as part of the peace plan. Sources claimed that the group is refusing disarmament and is focused on restoring its military capabilities.