Witkoff Announces January Timeline for Gaza Phase II Amid Final Stage One Negotiations

U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff has informed regional mediators that Phase II of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is slated to begin in January 2026, according to Israeli media. The announcement precedes a high-stakes meeting in Miami between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, aimed at finalizing the implementation of Trump’s 20-point peace plan.

While Witkoff highlighted the progress of Phase I—including humanitarian aid surges and the return of nearly all hostages—the transition to Phase II hinges on the recovery of the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili. Israel insists on this handover before moving forward. Phase II is expected to introduce a "Peace Council" as a unified governing body for Gaza, focusing on civil reconstruction and security, despite Israeli concerns over premature pressure to exit the strip.