U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said phase two preparations for the Gaza ceasefire plan are progressing after U.S.-led talks in Miami with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. He advocated establishing a unified Gazan authority to protect civilians and coordinate recovery through trade, infrastructure and shared resources. The group reviewed first-phase gains—aid deliveries, reduced fighting, partial Israeli withdrawals and hostage returns—and agreed that phase two would deploy an international stabilization force, create an international governing body and pursue Hamas disarmament.
US Envoy: Miami Talks Advance 'Unified Gazan Authority' as Ceasefire Moves to Phase Two
A drone view shows Palestinians walking past the rubble after Israeli forces' withdrawal from the area amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza City Oct. 11, 2025.
Preparations are underway for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said following high-level, U.S.-led talks in Miami that included representatives from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.
"In our discussions regarding phase two, we emphasized enabling a governing body in Gaza under a unified Gazan authority to protect civilians and maintain public order," Witkoff wrote on X. "We also discussed regional integration measures, including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and cooperation on energy, water, and other shared resources, as essential to Gaza’s recovery, regional stability, and long-term prosperity."
Witkoff said the participants reviewed the next steps for phased implementation of what he described as the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, stressing careful sequencing, close coordination and effective monitoring in partnership with local Gazan institutions and international partners.
Reporters noted that the group also assessed progress from the first phase of the plan. According to officials, the initial phase saw humanitarian aid reach Gaza, a reduction in hostilities, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. Authorities said most living hostages have been released and that the remains of many deceased hostages have been returned; media accounts indicated one outstanding case involves Ran Gvili, an Israeli police officer killed during the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.
Palestinians walk on a street with rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, Feb. 17, 2025
The Miami talks followed a similar meeting in Cairo that reportedly included the intelligence chiefs of Turkey and Egypt and Qatar's prime minister. A Turkish source told Reuters participants agreed to continue strengthening coordination with the Civil Military Coordination Center to remove obstacles, preserve the ceasefire and address alleged violations.
What Phase Two Would Involve
Media reports and officials say the second phase would include:
- The deployment of an international stabilization force to help secure the territory;
- The creation of an international body to support governance in Gaza under a unified Gazan authority;
- Measures aimed at the disarmament of Hamas;
- Further Israeli withdrawals from positions near the so-called "yellow line" before the international force assumes responsibility.
Coverage also noted political reactions: a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong confidence in the framework approach associated with former President Donald Trump for structuring the ceasefire plan.
Officials emphasized that successful implementation will depend on sequencing, oversight, and cooperation between international partners and local Gazan institutions to protect civilians, restore basic services, and support longer-term recovery.
