As mediators strive to advance to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s actions are raising concerns about its commitment to the terms. While the United States has been in discussions with Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey regarding the achievements of the first phase and the transition to the next, a recent Israeli strike on a building housing displaced persons in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood of eastern Gaza City resulted in the deaths of seven Palestinians and injuries to others.
A joint statement released by U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday indicated that representatives from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey convened in Miami, Florida, on Friday. The purpose of the meeting was to review the next steps in the Gaza ceasefire plan. The statement called on all parties “to adhere to their commitments and exercise restraint,” emphasizing the mediators’ full commitment to all provisions of President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
The participants also stressed the need to empower a governing body in Gaza under unified authority to protect civilians and maintain public order. Discussions also included steps toward regional integration, including facilitating trade, developing infrastructure, and fostering cooperation in energy and water, as cornerstones for the sector’s recovery and long-term regional stability.
Concurrently, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey issued a joint statement commending the progress made in the first phase, stating that the governing body in Gaza would operate under unified authority from within the Strip as part of the second phase of the agreement.
Cutting Off Netanyahu’s Path?
This meeting holds significant weight as it precedes anticipated discussions between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this month to deliberate on the continued implementation of the agreement. According to Professor Ibrahim Fraihat, an expert in international conflicts, the Israeli position poses the most significant obstacle to transitioning to the second phase, which Washington appears determined to achieve, considering the Gaza agreement a key accomplishment of Trump’s first year in office.
An Announcement
As Fraihat notes, it is clear that Netanyahu is reluctant to withdraw from Gaza after regaining control of the area.
