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Türkiye played a central role in securing the Gaza ceasefire as the U.S.-backed plan transitions into its second phase, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a U.S. official said Türkiye was “very integral” to reaching the ceasefire, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump was “very grateful” for Ankara’s involvement.
The official said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin were closely engaged in the process and worked extensively with U.S. officials.
The official also said the Trump administration wants to see Türkiye and Israel rebuild their relationship, adding that it believes such a step is possible.
The remarks followed an announcement by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, who said the ceasefire plan for Gaza is moving into its second phase.
Witkoff said Phase Two would focus on demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction.
According to his statement, the phase establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins full demilitarization and reconstruction, including the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel.
Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to fully comply with its obligations under the agreement, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage.
“Failure to do so will bring serious consequences,” he said.
Another U.S. official described the launch of Phase Two as a major development, saying it marks the start of a plan for Gaza’s redevelopment that could be “game changing” for the territory.
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