Trump envoy warns Hamas of 'serious consequences' as administration launches Phase 2 of Gaza plan

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The Trump administration's special envoy announced Wednesday the launch of Phase 2 of a plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas, which is to establish a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza. 

"The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," Witkoff said in a post on X. 

The new phase will consist of "moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction," he said. 

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Destroyed buildings in the west of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip Feb. 11, 2025. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images)

Witkoff didn't offer new details about a potential Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza, which has faced a humanitarian crisis since the start of the war that began after Hamas attacked Israel. 

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U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks at the White House.  (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

As part of the new phase, Witkoff said the Trump administration expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.

The terror group's failure to do so would result in "serious consequences," he said. 

The United States has been in talks with mediators in Egypt and other regional partners to ensure that Hamas complies with its obligations under the peace plan. 

Displaced Palestinians shelter at a tent camp in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Jan. 14, 2026. On Wednesday, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan.  (Reuters/Haseeb Alwazeer   )

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Part of that includes the group giving up its heavy weapons and the launch of a "buy-back" program for lighter weapons, according to the U.S. official and two Arab diplomats, The Times of Israel reported. 

Israel has made it clear it will not allow Turkish armed forces to operate inside Gaza, viewing the country as a destabilizing actor despite efforts by Ankara to present itself as a reconstruction partner. 

Fox News Digital's Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.