President Donald Trump said Thursday night that the second phase of his 20-point peace initiative for Gaza is now underway, describing it as a major step following the ceasefire and expanded humanitarian access to the territory.

“As Steve Witkoff announced, we have OFFICIALLY entered the next phase of Gaza’s 20-Point Peace Plan!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, citing remarks made Wednesday by Steve Witkoff.

Trump said his administration has already made significant progress since the ceasefire took effect. “Since the Ceasefire, my team has helped deliver RECORD LEVELS of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, reaching Civilians at HISTORIC speed and scale. Even the United Nations has acknowledged this achievement as UNPRECEDENTED. These results have set the stage for this next phase,” he wrote.

The president said the next stage of the plan would involve a new governing structure inside Gaza during a transition period. “As Chairman of the Board of Peace, I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board’s High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition. These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!” Trump stated.

Trump said regional support would be central to enforcing security provisions in Gaza, particularly the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities. “With the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, we will secure a COMPREHENSIVE Demilitarization Agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of ALL weapons, and the dismantling of EVERY tunnel. Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization. As I have said before, they can do this the easy way, or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW.”

Trump ended his message with a familiar slogan: “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

Earlier Thursday, Trump separately announced the formal establishment of the “Board of Peace for Gaza,” describing it as a cornerstone of the broader initiative and saying details about its membership would follow.

“It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed. The Members of the Board will be announced shortly, but I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Witkoff’s declaration that Phase Two had begun came even as the body of Ran Gvili, the final hostage, remains in Gaza.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas was required to return all hostages during the first phase, but it continues to hold Gvili’s body while claiming it does not know its whereabouts.

Israeli officials have said they provided Hamas with specific information regarding Gvili’s burial location, but the group has disregarded the details.

The Israeli government has repeatedly stated that it opposes moving forward with the second phase of the agreement until Hamas fully complies with all commitments from Phase One, including the return of Gvili’s body.

{Matzav.com}