In a move that could signal a shift in the Gaza ceasefire, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to host key officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in Miami this Friday.
Meeting Details
A State Department official, speaking anonymously, said the meeting aims to advance the fragile truce into its next stage by reviewing Phase 2 implementation. The officials will gather in Miami to assess progress on the ceasefire that began on Oct. 10. The gathering has not yet been publicly announced.
Phase 1 Recap
The U.S.-brokered truce began on Oct. 10, ending more than two years of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. In the first phase, Hamas released hostages and Israel released thousands of Palestinian prisoners while easing humanitarian aid into Gaza. Since then, the truce has stalled, with each side accusing the other of violations.
Phase 2 Objectives
Phase 2 calls for an international security force, an internationally supervised technocratic governing body for Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and further Israeli troop withdrawals. A Board of Peace chaired by President Trump would oversee the process. Neither the board nor the international force have yet assembled.
International Involvement
Israel has voiced opposition to the participation of certain countries, including Turkey, in the proposed international force. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the Miami talks. The Qatari prime minister, who also serves as foreign minister, said in an Al Jazeera interview that he would be present at the meeting.
Statements from Leaders
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said there was an “urgent need” to advance to the next phase and form a Palestinian civil administration in Gaza. He added that the international force must not “protect one party at the expense of another.” He also accused Israel of repeated violations, stating that they risk undermining the agreement and placing mediators in an “embarrassing position.”
Hamas and Israel Demands
Hamas has called for increased international pressure on Israel to open key border crossings, halt deadly strikes, and allow more aid into Gaza. Israel, meanwhile, demands that militants return the remains of final hostage Ran Gvili.
Aid Situation
Palestinians in Gaza are facing a severe lack of aid, with food scarcity persisting as the region struggles to recover from famine during the war.
Conflict Background
The initial Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel killed about 1,200 people and seized 251 hostages, most of whom have since been returned. Israel’s two-year campaign in Gaza has killed more than 70,660 Palestinians, roughly half of whom were women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not separate militants from civilians.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Witkoff will host Qatar, Egypt and Turkey officials in Miami to advance Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire.
- Phase 2 requires an international security force, a technocratic governing body for Gaza, disarmament of Hamas and further Israeli troop withdrawals.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stressed the urgent need to move forward and warned that Israel’s repeated violations threaten the agreement.
The meeting represents a critical juncture in the stalled ceasefire, with leaders from the involved states gathering to address obstacles and outline next steps. The outcome will determine whether the fragile truce can progress toward a lasting resolution.
Reporters
The report was compiled by Lee in Washington, Samy Magdy in Cairo and Suzan Fraser in Ankara.
