U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Saturday that representatives from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye have endorsed the immediate establishment of a transitional administration in Gaza, termed the “Board of Peace.” The agreement follows talks in Miami, Florida, on December 19, where parties reviewed progress under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire initiated in October 2025.
Witkoff noted that initial steps have improved humanitarian aid flows, facilitated the repatriation of hostage remains, and reduced hostilities. However, he emphasized that further consultations are needed to implement the second phase, which focuses on creating a unified governing body to ensure civilian protection and public order in Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions persist. Gaza’s civil defense reported six fatalities from Israeli shelling on December 19, raising the Palestinian death toll to 400 since October. Israel has accused Hamas of violating the truce, citing three soldier deaths in Gaza during the same period.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged international troop contributions for a stabilization force on Friday but stressed that Hamas’ disarmament remains critical to sustaining peace efforts.
