Progress is being made toward the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire plan, as confirmed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. This announcement follows significant U.S.-led discussions in Miami, where representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were present.

“During our talks about phase two, we focused on establishing a governing body in Gaza under a unified Gazan authority to ensure civilian protection and maintain public order,” Witkoff shared on X. “We also explored measures for regional integration, highlighting trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and cooperation on energy, water, and other shared resources as vital for Gaza’s recovery, regional stability, and long-term prosperity.”

Witkoff further noted, “We assessed the next steps in the phased rollout of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, emphasizing the critical nature of sequencing, coordination, and effective monitoring in collaboration with local Gazan institutions and international allies.”

An aerial view captures Palestinians walking amidst the rubble left after Israeli forces withdrew from the area, during the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza City, on October 11, 2025. (Photo by Dawoud Abu Alkas/File Photo/Reuters)

Reflecting on the initial phase of the ceasefire, the group noted that it had resulted in “notable progress,” according to Witkoff.

During the first phase, humanitarian aid went into the Gaza Strip, hostilities were reduced and there was a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. Additionally, all living hostages and most deceased hostages were released. The last remaining hostage is Ran Gvili, an Israeli police officer who was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.

Israeli soldiers watch the northern Gaza Strip from southern Israel, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The U.S.-led talks on the second phase of the plan were proceeded by a similar meeting in Cairo, which reportedly included Turkey and Egypt’s intelligence chiefs, as well as Qatar’s prime minister.

“During the meeting, [they] also agreed to continue strengthening coordination and cooperation with the Civil Military Coordination Center to eliminate all obstacles to ensure the continuity of the ceasefire and to prevent further violations,” a Turkish source told Reuters, adding that they also discussed countering alleged Israeli ceasefire violations.

Palestinians walk on a street among 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 (REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)

The second phase of the deal involves the deployment of an international stabilization force and the development of an international body to govern Gaza. It also includes the disarmament of Hamas. Additionally, Israel will move further from the so-called “yellow line” ahead of the international force taking over, according to The Times of Israel.