Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that representatives from Turkey engaged in discussions with officials from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt on November 3, 2023, to advance the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The talks, held in Miami, focused on ensuring that governance in Gaza is placed in the hands of the local population, a significant aspect of the ongoing peace efforts in the region.
During the meeting, Fidan emphasized the goal of establishing a framework under which Gaza would be governed by its own people, stating, “It is essential that Gaza is governed by Gazans.” The discussions also included plans for the creation of a Board of Peace and an International Stabilisation Force aimed at ensuring long-term stability in the area.
The meeting included notable attendees such as Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar. The presence of these key figures highlights the collaborative effort among these nations to address the situation in Gaza following a prolonged period of unrest.
Hakan Fidan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and expressed hope that the upcoming phases of the ceasefire agreement would support the establishment of governance structures that reflect the will of the Gazan people. He underscored the importance of international cooperation in achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
The discussions come at a critical time for Gaza, which has faced significant humanitarian challenges amid ongoing violence. The emphasis on local governance is seen as a vital step toward restoring stability and aiding the recovery of the affected communities.
As negotiations continue, the commitment from Turkey and its partners underscores a unified approach to addressing the complexities of the conflict. Future meetings are expected to further define the roles and responsibilities of the proposed Board of Peace and the International Stabilisation Force, paving the way for a more comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering peace and security in Gaza.
The outcome of these talks will be closely monitored by international stakeholders, as a successful implementation of the ceasefire agreement could have far-reaching implications for the region and its inhabitants.
