US announces a new phase towards peace in Gaza: what is happening in the Strip?

BeirutFor the first time since the start of the war in Gaza, the term "post-war" is beginning to appear in diplomatic circles. The announcement by Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, that the ceasefire agreement Entering the second phase, focused on the complete demilitarization of the enclave and comprehensive reconstruction, marks a turning point. It also reflects the state of what has been achieved so far.

The US statement establishes that this phase envisions the progressive withdrawal of weapons, the creation of a transitional Palestinian administration, and the start of a large-scale reconstruction program. Furthermore, it includes mechanisms for the gradual reopening of border crossings, the sustained expansion of humanitarian aid, and the preparation of basic infrastructure projects in coordination with international organizations. The message incorporates a warning to Hamas about possible consequences if it does not hand over the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage.

The first phase allowed for the release of live hostages, a reduction in bombing, and the expanded entry of humanitarian aid. However, during these three months, Israel has killed more than 450 people in the Gaza Strip And the level of basic goods entering the country remains lower than before the war.

The second phase seeks to establish new governance and security structures in a devastated territory. Since October 2024, more than 40,000 Palestinians have died, according to local health authorities. Most of the population has been displaced at least once. Much of the housing has been severely damaged or destroyed. Hospitals, schools, and water systems are only partially operational or have been taken out of service.

On the streets of Gaza, the ceasefire is perceived as an uncertain pause. Many families live among rubble. Makeshift camps sprawl alongside demolished buildings. The lack of clean water and electricity remains widespread. The aid entering through the border crossings is insufficient for a population of more than two million people. Humanitarian organizations warn that food insecurity remains widespread.

New Governance Body

The announced plan envisions replacing Hamas's authority with a technocratic Palestinian committee in charge of civil administration. Hamas has not publicly confirmed the release of the last hostage's body or the disarmament of its weapons. Israel continues sporadic operations in the Gaza Strip, justifying them as security measures. Regional mediators, primarily Qatar and Egypt, continue to facilitate negotiations. Washington acts as a political guarantor. There is no international monitoring mission deployed on the ground. Compliance with the agreement will depend on commitments between the parties and diplomatic pressure from the actors involved. In Israel, the government presents the second phase as part of its security strategy. The hostages' families remain mobilized, demanding the return of all bodies and survivors. In Gaza, the population awaits the reopening of the crossings and the arrival of construction materials. Many neighborhoods lack machinery for debris removal. Makeshift schools operate in tents. Hospitals function with generators and limited supplies.

International donors have expressed their willingness to finance reconstruction. Their support is linked to the existence of a functioning Palestinian authority and minimum conditions of stability.

While negotiations progress, civilians continue to live in precarious conditions. Movement within the Gaza Strip remains restricted. Most of the displaced have not been able to return to their homes. Sanitation networks remain overwhelmed, and falling temperatures and storms are exacerbating the situation in the camps.

In the coming weeks, the handover of the last remains of hostages, the disarmament mechanisms, the composition of the transitional administration, and the reconstruction timelines will have to be finalized. Until then, Gaza remains suspended between an ongoing diplomatic process and a daily reality marked by devastation.