DUBAI, UAE - President Donald Trump announced early Friday the launch of Phase Two of his administration’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza, calling for demilitarization, technocratic Palestinian governance and reconstruction, as Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people across the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian health and emergency officials.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States had “officially entered the next phase” of the plan after what he described as unprecedented humanitarian aid deliveries during the ceasefire.

Phase Two establishes a transitional Palestinian technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and seeks a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of tunnels.

Trump warned Hamas to immediately meet its commitments, including returning the final deceased hostage to Israel, or face serious consequences.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the start of Phase Two on Thursday, saying the plan was moving from a ceasefire to demilitarization, governance and reconstruction.

Meanwhile, violence has continued on the ground. Palestinian sources said the Israeli military carried out airstrikes, gunfire and demolitions across Gaza as the ceasefire entered its 98th day.

Those killed included senior commanders from Islamic Jihad and Hamas in separate strikes in central Gaza, as well as civilians hit in Gaza City, Jabalia, Khan Younis and Rafah. Dozens were wounded in the attacks, including near Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.

Since the ceasefire was announced on October 11, Palestinian officials say at least 451 people have been killed and 1,251 wounded in Gaza, with hundreds of bodies recovered from rubble, highlighting the contrast between diplomatic moves toward a new phase of peace efforts and the continuing violence on the ground.