THE SECOND PHASE OF THE GAZA CEASEFIRE: WHAT DO THE TALKS IN MIAMI MEAN?

Following the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza, attention has now shifted to the second phase of the process. Representatives from Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt, acting as mediators, are meeting in Miami, Florida, to discuss the continuation of the ceasefire and the transition to the next stage. Türkiye is represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, while U.S. officials directly involved in the process are also participating in the talks. This reflects that the ceasefire in Gaza has become not only a regional issue but also a matter of broader international diplomacy.

The main objective of the Miami talks is to determine how the second phase of the ceasefire can be structured in a way that makes it more sustainable. This phase is expected to address not only the cessation of hostilities but also political and humanitarian issues. In particular, worsening winter conditions in Gaza have made access to shelter, humanitarian aid and basic necessities a critical part of the discussions.

However, the ceasefire process remains highly fragile. Previous ceasefires in Gaza have often collapsed within a short period of time, which has led to a cautious approach toward the current agreement. Deep mistrust between Israel and Hamas continues to be one of the main obstacles to transforming the ceasefire into a lasting political process. Both sides still appear to view the ceasefire more as a temporary strategic tool rather than a step toward long term peace.

The issues discussed in the second phase are particularly sensitive. Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas are among the most controversial topics. While the Israeli side has expressed doubts about whether an international stabilization force could effectively oversee disarmament, Hamas has indicated a preference for intermediate options such as freezing or storing weapons rather than fully relinquishing them. These differing positions further complicate negotiations over the second phase.

The role of the international community also remains unclear. The neutrality and effectiveness of a potential stabilization force intended to monitor the ceasefire continue to be debated. Without a clear and binding political framework, it seems unlikely that the ceasefire will evolve into a durable peace process.

In conclusion, the negotiations in Miami represent an important diplomatic step toward advancing the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Nevertheless, existing power dynamics, mutual distrust, and past experiences highlight how fragile the process remains. Whether the ceasefire can turn into lasting peace will largely depend on whether these talks produce concrete and binding outcomes.

References:

https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cvgqz8xe41go

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/whats-next-gaza-ceasefire-will-truce-last-2025-12-17/