Disarmament vs. Governance: Gaza Ceasefire Deal Phase 2 2026 Enters High-Stakes Talks

Can a technocratic committee succeed where decades of military force failed? On January 15, 2026, the United States-led initiative to end the war in Gaza officially entered its second stage. While diplomats talk of peace, the reality on the ground remains scarred by ongoing explosions and deep-seated mistrust.

Gaza Ceasefire Deal Phase 2 2026: The Battle for Disarmament

According to Al Jazeera, leaders from Hamas and other Palestinian factions are currently in Cairo to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal phase 2 2026. The U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, says this phase establishes a transitional technocratic administration and marks the beginning of full demilitarization. However, it's a hard sell: Hamas is refusing to disarm while Israel occupies more than 50% of the enclave.

The Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that Israeli officials still view the 'yellow line' buffer zone as a strategic area they won't relinquish. Meanwhile, Hamas representative Taher al-Nunu accused Israel of trying to derail the ceasefire, demanding a full withdrawal and the reopening of the Rafah crossings for aid.

Trump's Board of Peace and the $50 Billion Price Tag

The plan also introduces a new governance model. A technocratic committee led by Ali Shaath is set to manage daily life for Gaza's 2 million residents. President Donald Trump is expected to name 15 world leaders to a new 'Board of Peace' to oversee this transition.

• Reconstruction Costs: The UN estimates a staggering $50bn will be needed to rebuild the enclave.
• Aid Shortfall: While the U.S. promised 600 trucks of aid daily, current levels haven't reached that mark once.
• The Captive Issue: PM Benjamin Netanyahu won't move forward until the body of the last captive, Ran Gvili, is returned.