On Saturday, US envoy Steve Witkoff posted about the recent progress on Gaza talks. “We, the representatives of the United States of America, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, and the Republic of Turkey, met yesterday in Miami to review the implementation of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and to advance preparations for the second phase,” he wrote.
There is a lot of focus on Gaza as the US seeks to move forward with US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. One hostage, Ran Gvili, remains held in Gaza. The challenge of the next phase is creating the international stabilization force (ISF).
The US-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) has been operating since October 17 to try to facilitate aid entering Gaza. The CMCC, which is based in Kiryat Gat and was set up by the US Central Command, can only do so much and is coordinating with around 50 countries and organizations in total. Initial hope appears to have met with the difficult challenges of Gaza.
Rubio, Witkoff hopeful on progress of Gaza talks
Witkoff wrote over the weekend that “the first phase has yielded progress, including expanded humanitarian assistance, the return of hostage bodies, partial force withdrawals, and a reduction in hostilities.”
He added that “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. 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.”
The talks in the US followed talks in Doha. Arab News reported that the US “is grateful for Pakistan’s offer to take part in a potential international stabilization force for Gaza, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, as diplomatic efforts continue over the Palestinian enclave’s post-war security arrangements.”
The report noted “the statement came days after Pakistan, among dozens of countries, attended a conference in Qatar, hosted by the US, to discuss command structure and other unresolved operational issues relating to the Gaza stabilization force.”
Rubio has expressed hope that countries will step forward and contribute personnel and troops. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended the meeting.
Israel has opposed Turkish involvement in Gaza. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli wrote on X/Twitter, “At the meeting, issues related to the implementation of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan were evaluated, and views were exchanged on the process of transitioning to the second phase…In the discussions, it was noted that the ceasefire achieved in the first phase has continued despite violations, the release of hostages has been completed, and the conflicts have largely been halted.”
He went on to note, “regarding the second phase, arrangements to ensure that Gaza is governed by the Gazans were addressed; the steps to be taken concerning the Peace Council and the International Stabilization Force as envisaged in the peace plan were evaluated.”
Turkey also sent its top diplomat to the US to discuss other issues related to Ukraine. Turkey is also seeking F-35s from the US.
Fidan is confused with Israel. He said over the weekend that Israeli actions are making progress in Gaza “incredibly more difficult.” This came after the Turkey-US-Egypt-Qatar confab in Miami.
“Now, since the first phase has been completed following the release of the last hostage, the parameters for moving to the second phase are being discussed. Perhaps after Sharm el-Sheikh, yesterday’s meeting was the most important one. Frankly, we continued our meetings in various formats and settings until late last night,” Fidan added.
World awaits next moves on Gaza
Now the world waits to see what comes next in Gaza. It remains to be seen which countries will actually send personnel or troops to join the ISF. Also, it remains to be seen if police can be trained for Gaza.
Meanwhile, Al-Monitor reporter Jared Szuba reports the US has also tapped US Marine Corps Maj.-Gen. Sean M. Salene is to be the next US security coordinator who will play a key role with the Palestinian security forces. He will replace Lt.-Gen. Michael Fenzel, the report says. As Gaza issues move forward, the role of the United States security coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority will be critical because it has worked with Palestinian security forces over the last two decades.