Top U.S. diplomats have met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push for the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. On Saturday, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and senior advisor Jared Kushner engaged in high-level discussions in Jerusalem. While official details remain classified, sources indicate that the recovery of Israeli hostages’ remains and the demilitarization of Gaza are the primary focus of this diplomatic surge.
The progression to the next phase remains precarious as Netanyahu faces internal political pressure to withhold concessions until all remains are repatriated. A pivotal indicator of progress would be the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, currently under Israeli military control. While Palestinian officials anticipate a reopening as early as next week, the Israeli government has yet to grant formal authorization, leaving reconstruction efforts in limbo.
Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. Local health officials reported the death of two teenagers in an Israeli strike on Saturday, an incident the IDF claimed targeted militants planting explosives. Since the truce began, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 480 Palestinian fatalities, highlighting the fragility of the peace process as mediators from Egypt and the U.S. race to solidify a lasting withdrawal.