Trump says ‘phase two’ of Middle East peace plan has begun as focus turns to Gaza reconstruction

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT: President Donald Trump said on Monday, October 13, that the second phase of his 20-point ceasefire plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas has "already started."

He made the remark while meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh.

“It started, as far as we’re concerned,” Trump told reporters while seated alongside Sisi.

"And you know, the phases are all a little bit mixed in with each other. Gonna start cleaning up...if you look at Gaza, it needs a lot of clean up," he further said.

Trump pushes for Gaza's transformation

This remark comes on the heels of the Trump administration emphasizing that the plan is not only to end the war but also to reshape the region.

Phase two of the plan reportedly includes stabilizing Gaza, facilitating humanitarian aid, and setting the groundwork for long-term political and economic reconstruction.

Trump's 20-point peace proposal has also called for the establishment of an international 'Board of Peace' that would supervise the funding for Gaza’s redevelopment among other things. 

When asked by reporters whether the Egyptian president might have a seat on the 'Board of Peace', Trump said, "I'd like to have him on the board."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, who also attended the media interaction, described the ceasefire as part of a larger vision for peace in the Middle East.

“They hosted the talks here (Egypt), and they’re going to play a very important role now in the follow-up, the implementation of this, which is not simply about restoring Gaza, it is about transforming the region," Rubio said.

Officials have allegedly hinted that the Trump administration aims to build on the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. 

The alleged plans also involve potentially reopening dialogue with Iran. 

Egyptian president says next steps of ceasefire plan need to be worked on 'very closely'

President el-Sisi lauded Trump's efforts in mediating the truce and steering post-war diplomacy.

“It’s a great pleasure and an honor to have you with us here in the city of peace,” Sisi said.

“I’ve been very confident that your excellency is the only one who’s capable of bringing this about and bringing an end to this war," he added.

Sisi also noted that immediate priorities include ensuring that the ceasefire holds, returning the bodies of deceased hostages to their families, and expanding humanitarian access to Gaza.

“The next steps of the ceasefire plan need to be worked on very closely,” he said, adding that Egypt is looking forward to Trump’s “support and your sponsorship with us in the conference for the reconstruction of Gaza.

The Trump administration has framed the effort as part of a long-term strategy to “transform the Middle East,” with Egypt possibly being a central partner in ensuring the peace deal’s durability and broader economic recovery.