A critical phase begins… Mediators reveal developments in the second phase of the Gaza agreement
Negotiations over the second phase of the Gaza agreement have entered a critical stage, as regional and international mediators intensify their efforts to solidify the ceasefire, establish temporary governance mechanisms for the Strip, and focus on the return of hostages, the reopening of the Rafah crossing, and the coordination of the planned international force.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed on Saturday that discussions regarding the stabilization force in Gaza are still ongoing, including debates over its mandate and rules of engagement.
He added, during his participation in the Doha Forum in Qatar, that the primary goal of this force must be to separate Israelis and Palestinians along the border in order to reduce tensions and prevent military escalation.
For his part, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza are passing through a critical phase, noting that mediators are working jointly to move into the next stage of the ceasefire, which is expected to include urgent security and humanitarian arrangements.
The second phase of Trump’s plan
These diplomatic efforts coincide with preparations for the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.
An Israeli delegation, headed by the Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons Affairs, Reserve Brigadier General Gal Hirsch, held talks in Cairo with mediators to ensure the return of the last Israeli hostage, the late Sergeant Major Ran Guily. The delegation also included officials from the Israeli army, the Shin Bet security agency and the Mossad.
The discussions focus on completing the mission of locating hostages and missing individuals, as well as reopening the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza in both directions. President Trump is expected to announce the details of the second phase by mid-month, including the structure of the Peace Council, the international force, and the Palestinian technocratic committee that will temporarily administer the Gaza Strip.
According to sources, the Peace Council will consist of ten members chaired by Trump, with an international leadership headed by Tony Blair, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and his adviser Steve Witkoff. The Palestinian technocratic committee will include between twelve and fifteen figures from Gaza who will manage daily affairs until responsibilities are transferred to the Palestinian Authority, once specific reforms are implemented, such as halting payments to families of security detainees, removing incitement from school curricula, and holding elections.
Turkey and Qatar, alongside Egypt and the United States, are working to facilitate dialogue among the parties and coordinate efforts to ensure stability on the ground, including examining the mechanisms for the mandate of the international force and its rules of engagement.
These efforts take place amid close international monitoring involving the United Nations and major powers, as all seek to prevent further military escalation and ensure the success of any potential ceasefire agreement.
