Trump announces onset of Gaza's 20-Point Peace Plan's new phase
Washington DC, January 16
US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that the next phase of Gaza's 20-Point Peace Plan has begun.
Trump said that he has deployed a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government to govern Gaza during its transition.
"As Steve Witkoff announced, we have OFFICIALLY entered the next phase of Gaza's 20-Point Peace Plan! 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 said.
"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!" he added.
Trump further said that Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar would support the US and demilitarise Hamas.
"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. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," he said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services, Jorge Moreira da Silva, has said the volume of rubble in Gaza has exceeded 60 million tonnes and removing it may take more than seven years, as per Al Jazeera.
Following a visit to Gaza, da Silva said that the scale of destruction there as 'unbelievable', stressing that it affected homes, schools, clinics, and water and electricity networks.
Al Jazeera reported that da Silva equated 60 million tonnes of rubble to the load of about 3,000 container ships.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The scale of destruction is heartbreaking. 60 million tonnes of rubble? 7 years to clear? My God. While any talk of peace is welcome, the immediate need is massive, sustained aid and reconstruction. The world, including India, should push for that. The political plans can come later.
"Peace through strength" is a dangerous slogan in this context. It sounds more like an ultimatum to Hamas than a peace plan. For lasting peace, you need dialogue and addressing root causes, not just demilitarization by force. Hope the regional players involved ensure Palestinian voices are truly heard.
Interesting to see Turkey and Qatar involved. If this gets Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and the US on the same page for demilitarization, it could be a significant step. But the proof will be in the implementation. The "unbelievable" destruction described by the UN official is the real story here.
As an Indian, I see a familiar pattern: external powers drawing up plans for a region's future. It rarely ends well for the local population. The technocratic government must have real credibility on the ground, or this is just another temporary fix. The humanitarian aid effort, however, is commendable if true.
The article mentions record aid, but also historic destruction. Which one defines reality for Gazans right now? Peace plans are good, but they mean nothing to a family living in rubble. Let's focus on rebuilding lives first. The politics can wait. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.