On Saturday, December 20, 2025, U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that representatives of the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye have endorsed the near-term creation and operationalization of a 'Board of Peace' to serve as a transitional administration in Gaza.
During talks in Miami on Friday, December 19, the four nations reviewed the outcomes of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Witkoff said on X. He noted that Phase I has already delivered key advances: expanded humanitarian assistance, the return of hostage bodies, partial force withdrawals and a clear reduction in hostilities.
Looking ahead to Phase II, participants emphasized the need for a unified Gazan authority to oversee public order and protect civilians. 'Our discussions focused on enabling a governing body in Gaza under a unified Gazan authority to protect civilians and maintain public order,' Witkoff explained.
The four parties also urged all stakeholders to uphold their commitments, exercise restraint and cooperate with international monitoring arrangements as the process moves forward in the coming weeks.
Despite the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, Israel has continued limited strikes in Gaza. On Friday, December 19, Gaza's civil defense reported six deaths in an Israeli shelling of a shelter. Since the ceasefire began, at least 400 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for international contributions to a stabilization force and underscored the need for Hamas to disarm. 'The process will unravel unless we see real disarmament of Hamas,' Rubio warned.
Witkoff said further consultations will continue in the coming weeks to advance the implementation of Phase II, signaling a commitment to international cooperation and sustained dialogue.
For global citizens tracking Middle East diplomacy, these developments signal a strategic shift: beyond halting violence, the focus is turning to building institutional frameworks that can support Gaza's recovery and foster stability.
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Witkoff says parties support transitional administration in Gaza
cgtn.com
