Reuters quoted US officials as saying that Washington intends to engage in talks with the Hamas movement that would address disarmament and the granting of amnesty, according to those officials.
The officials stated that they would enter into discussions with Hamas regarding the next phase in Gaza, specifically the issue of disarmament.
They also revealed that Washington would hold discussions with Israel concerning the nature of any amnesty programme to be granted to Hamas.
According to the same officials, Washington will announce decisions related to Gaza during the Davos conference.
In the same context, the officials noted that more information regarding an international stabilisation force in Gaza would be released within two weeks.
They added that invitations were sent on Wednesday to participate in the Gaza Peace Council, and that US President Donald Trump would personally select the members of the council.
A Claimed Historic Step
Earlier, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the imminent launch of the second phase of the US president’s 20-point plan to end the conflict in Gaza. This phase shifts from a ceasefire toward disarmament, the formation of a technocratic administration, and reconstruction.
Witkoff explained that the second phase is based on establishing a transitional Palestinian technocratic administration under the name “The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza,” which would begin implementing a process of full disarmament.
He stressed that Washington expects Hamas to fully comply with all its obligations, including the immediate release of the body of the last Israeli captive.
Witkoff also stated that the first phase of the plan had achieved what he described as historic progress.
He expressed deep gratitude to Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their mediation efforts, which he described as decisive in achieving progress so far.
Meanwhile, a US official told Al Jazeera that the issue of opening the Rafah Crossing falls under the Israeli side, and that there has been no new development so far regarding the formation of an international stabilisation force in Gaza.
Mediators Welcome the Developments
In the same context, the Qatar News Agency quoted the spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying that Qatar hopes the start of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza will help solidify calm.
The spokesperson added that Qatar will continue its intensive efforts and diplomatic initiatives aimed at de escalation and protecting civilians from the consequences of conflict.
He stressed the need for all parties to fully implement the agreement, including ensuring the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the immediate commencement of reconstruction.
A joint Egyptian Qatari Turkish statement also welcomed the completion of the formation of the Palestinian technocratic committee to administer Gaza, headed by Ali Shaath.
The statement described the step as an important development that could contribute to strengthening efforts to entrench stability and improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Hamas Responds
Taher Al Nounou, media adviser to the head of Hamas’s political bureau, said that the movement welcomes the formation of the administrative committee for Gaza.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Al Nounou referred to ongoing efforts with mediators to open the crossings and allow aid into the territory, accusing Israel of seeking to evade the ceasefire agreement and the end of the war on Gaza.
It is worth recalling that Israel launched a war of extermination on Gaza in October 2023 that lasted two years, resulting in the killing of more than 70,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in addition to the complete destruction of residential neighbourhoods and vital infrastructure, as well as mass displacement and starvation of the population.
In October of last year, a ceasefire agreement was reached between Hamas and Israel under a plan presented by Donald Trump and mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
