US mediator says Gaza ceasefire phase two set for January
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Phase two of the Gaza ceasefire is expected in the first or second week of January.
- Washington backs Turkish participation in a proposed international stabilization force.
The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is expected to begin in early January, likely within the first or second week, according to Bishara Bahbah, a mediator closely connected to the US administration on Gaza-related negotiations.
In an interview published on Wednesday by Asharq Al-Awsat, Bahbah said preparations are already underway, including a finalized list of names for a committee to manage the Gaza Strip. He said Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan is the most likely candidate to head the committee.
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US backing for Turkish role
Bahbah said Washington supports the inclusion of Turkish forces in an international stabilization force for Gaza, viewing Ankara as the most capable actor to help maintain stability in the enclave. He added that the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be decisive for launching phase two of the agreement and finalizing Turkey’s participation.
“The United States will press for the second phase to start next month and for Turkey’s role in the stabilization force to be settled”, Bahbah said.
Doha talks on stabilization force
Bahbah disclosed details of a meeting held Tuesday in Doha focused on forming the international stabilization force. He said one of Washington’s main objectives was to identify which countries are willing to participate and clarify the nature of their contributions, whether through troops, training, or technical support.
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He added that discussions also covered command structures, including a proposal for a US general to lead the force, as well as deployment zones, funding sources, and whether the force would operate inside or outside the buffer zone separating 'Israeli' forces from Hamas-controlled areas.
Disagreement with 'Israeli' deployment plans
Most participating countries rejected deployment plans favored by 'Israel', with broad consensus around a monitoring role rather than direct engagement. He said the force is intended to separate 'Israeli' troops from densely populated areas and protect civilians, facilitating 'Israel’s' gradual withdrawal from Gaza, according to Bahbah.
Bahbah stressed that most countries do not want the force to be tasked with disarmament, noting that Hamas leaders have expressed willingness to negotiate the issue, but that force would not succeed where 'Israel' has failed militarily.
Turkey seen as key interlocutor
Bahbah described Turkey’s role as “pivotal”, saying Ankara’s ties with Hamas give it unique leverage on the weapons issue. He said Trump is expected to pressure Netanyahu to accept Turkish participation, though 'Israel' may seek to limit Ankara’s role to technical rather than armed functions.
Governance and next steps
On post-war governance, Bahbah said Hamas, Fatah, and Egypt have agreed upon a list of 42 candidates for a technocratic committee. He reiterated that Abu Ramadan is likely to lead the body.
Despite concerns over delays, Bahbah said he expects phase two to be launched shortly after the Trump-Netanyahu summit, dismissing reports that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi would attend.
Bahbah said Trump is determined to prevent the collapse of the agreement, adding that Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire despite ongoing 'Israeli' violations, in what he described as an effort to deny 'Israel' any pretext to resume genocidal crimes in Gaza.
