A key U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet Friday in Miami with high-ranking officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The discussions will center on advancing the agreement intended to end the war in Gaza, according to a White House official and two sources familiar with the matter.
Efforts to Move Forward
The U.S. and the three other mediating nations believe that both Israel and Hamas are delaying the implementation of the second phase of the deal and appear content with the current situation. This meeting represents the highest-level engagement between the mediators in the United States since the agreement was initially signed in October.
The aim of the meeting is to establish a unified approach to encourage both Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments under the agreement. According to the terms of the deal, Hamas is expected to relinquish power in Gaza, allow for the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), and begin the process of dismantling its tunnels and military infrastructure.
Israel, for its part, is expected to reopen the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza for two-way travel and proceed with the second phase of the deal. This phase includes further withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces, the deployment of the ISF, and the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic government in Gaza.
White House Planning
Concurrently, the White House is working to finalize plans for the Trump-led Gaza Board of Peace, the deployment of the ISF, and the announcement of the Palestinian technocratic government. President Trump intends to make these announcements in January.
Over the weekend, the White House delivered a “stern private message” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that the killing of a top Hamas military commander was a breach of the ceasefire. President Trump recently told Netanyahu he needed to be a “better partner” on Gaza, and the two are scheduled to meet in Mar-a-Lago on December 29.
Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts extend beyond Gaza. He is also preparing to host meetings in Miami with officials from Kyiv and Moscow, indicating ongoing U.S. involvement in negotiations surrounding the war in Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the International Stabilization Force?
According to the Gaza peace agreement, the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) is a key component of the second phase of the deal. Hamas needs to agree to the deployment, and Israel’s progress in the second phase of the deal includes the deployment of the ISF.
What is the expected timeline for the announcements regarding the Gaza Board of Peace and the Palestinian technocratic government?
The White House is attempting to conclude its plans for these initiatives, with President Trump aiming to make the announcements in January.
What prompted the White House’s recent message to Prime Minister Netanyahu?
The White House sent a message to Netanyahu following the killing of a top Hamas military commander, which the U.S. considers a violation of the ceasefire.
As negotiations continue, what challenges might impede the full implementation of the Gaza agreement and what alternative strategies could be considered?
