United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the urgent need to break what he described as the ‘endless cycle of violence.’ Guterres stressed that Palestinians require a ‘genuine horizon of hope,’ paving the way for a definitive and irreversible two-state solution.
Guterres’s remarks coincided with a meeting held in Miami, USA, on Friday, where representatives from Turkey, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt convened to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip and mechanisms for implementing the first phase of the peace plan. Discussions also included charting a course for the transition to the second phase.
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Üngü Keçeli stated that the meeting affirmed the continuation of the ceasefire, despite some violations. He noted the completion of the release of Israeli prisoners and a significant reduction in clashes. In a post on X, Keçeli added that the talks addressed arrangements to ensure Gaza’s administration by Gazans themselves and the steps to be taken to establish the Peace Council and the International Stabilization Force stipulated in the agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the imminent completion of the first phase of the agreement. He affirmed Washington’s commitment to accelerating its implementation to guarantee the flow of aid and the commencement of reconstruction. Rubio also conveyed Washington’s desire to expedite the establishment of a stabilization force in Gaza and the formation of a technocratic government, stating, ‘because that will lead to the delivery of aid.’
Rubio acknowledged that the process is not easy, indicating that the implementation of the second and third phases of the Gaza agreement will take an extended period exceeding three years. The meeting was held within the framework of a peace plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last September. The plan comprises 20 clauses, including a ceasefire, the release of prisoners, the disarmament of Hamas, and Israel’s withdrawal from the Strip, in addition to the formation of a technocratic government and the deployment of an international stabilization force.
The first phase of the agreement came into effect on December 10th.
