U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed that the U.S. met with officials from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in Miami, Florida, to discuss the Gaza peace plan, in which they reviewed implementation plans for phase one and began preparing for phase two.
“The first phase has yielded progress, including expanded humanitarian assistance, the return of hostage bodies, partial force withdrawals, and a reduction in hostilities,” Witkoff wrote on X.
Regarding phase two of the ceasefire plan, Witkoff added that the US emphasized “enabling a governing body in Gaza under a unified Gazan authority to protect civilians and maintain public order.”
Witkoff also confirmed the U.S.’ “support for the near-term establishment and operationalization of the Board of Peace as a transitional administration for the civilian, security, and reconstruction tracks of the reconstruction.” In reviewing the "next steps in the phased implementation" of the plan, Witkoff stressed the importance of working in partnership with local Gazan institutions and international partners.
“We reaffirm our full commitment to the entirety of the President’s 20-point peace plan and call on all parties to uphold their obligations, exercise restraint, and cooperate with monitoring arrangements,” Witkoff said.
Witkoff added that "further consultations” in anticipation of phase two will take place in the "coming weeks." As Mariam noted below, phase two of the peace plan is expected to be announced in the new year.
