Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is expected to begin in January, according to a senior Israeli official, as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of a planned meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Miami.
Speaking on Wednesday to Israel’s Channel 13, the official said that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has informed mediators that preparations are underway to move to the next stage of the agreement in the coming weeks. The announcement comes amid growing concern within Israel that Washington may push for an accelerated transition to the second phase without ensuring the disarmament of armed groups in Gaza.
Israeli officials have privately expressed apprehension that political momentum, particularly from the Trump administration, could outweigh Israel’s security demands. According to the official, there is unease that pressure to advance the agreement could sideline Israel’s insistence on demilitarizing the territory as a prerequisite for lasting stability.
These developments follow a report published last Saturday by The Wall Street Journal, which outlined details of a multi-phase plan for the reconstruction of Gaza proposed by Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The plan has fueled debate in Israel, where assessments are increasingly pointing to the likelihood of renewed Israeli involvement in the territory. Israeli officials have also voiced skepticism about the United States’ ability to establish a multinational force capable of disarming Hamas.
Witkoff addressed the progress of the talks at the conclusion of meetings with representatives of mediator countries in Miami, highlighting what he described as tangible achievements during the first phase of the agreement. These included the expansion of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the return of deceased hostages, partial troop withdrawals, and a reduction in hostilities.
Looking ahead to the second phase, Witkoff said discussions have focused on creating the conditions for a governing authority in Gaza operating under a unified framework. He emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and maintaining public order, signaling a shift toward political and administrative arrangements alongside security considerations.
The U.S. envoy also reiterated American support for the establishment of a Peace Council in the near term, envisioned as a transitional body overseeing civilian governance, security coordination, and reconstruction efforts. He noted that talks had addressed the next steps in implementing the broader Gaza peace plan, stressing the need for continuity, coordination, and effective oversight in cooperation with local institutions and international partners.
Witkoff reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the 20-point peace plan proposed by President Trump, calling on all parties to meet their obligations, exercise restraint, and cooperate with monitoring mechanisms. He added that further consultations are expected in the coming weeks to advance the implementation of the second phase of the agreement.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the question of governance, security, and reconstruction in Gaza remains at the center of negotiations, with the success of the next phase likely to shape the future stability of the enclave and the broader region.
