US Envoys Press Netanyahu to Advance Gaza Ceasefire Phase 2
Trump envoys urge Israel to proceed with Gaza ceasefire’s next stage amid hostage remains dispute.
Top US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, pressing his government to transition into the second phase of the Trump-brokered Gaza ceasefire. The discussions focused on recovering the remains of the last known hostage, Ran Gvili, and advancing steps toward demilitarizing the territory.
The US is eager to maintain momentum in the deal that took effect on October 10, but Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to delay until Hamas fully complies by returning Gvili’s body. Gvili’s family accused Hamas of violating the agreement and deceiving mediators, while Hamas claimed it provided all available information and blamed Israel for blocking search efforts in controlled areas.
A major indicator of phase two would be reopening the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in both directions. Egypt’s Foreign Minister urged immediate implementation, linking it to Gaza’s reconstruction. Ali Shaath, head of the planned technocratic administration for Gaza, stated the crossing could open next week, though Israel said it would review the matter in Sunday’s Cabinet session.
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Diplomatic efforts continued elsewhere, with a Hamas delegation meeting Turkey’s intelligence chief in Istanbul to discuss phase-two requirements and first-phase commitments. Egypt also pushed for an international monitoring force and Israeli troop withdrawal.
Violence persisted despite the truce: an Israeli strike killed two Palestinian teenagers (aged 13 and 15) gathering firewood near the Yellow Line in a reportedly safe area, according to Gaza health officials. Israel’s military said it targeted militants planting explosives and denied children were hit. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 480 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began, with at least 100 children among them per UN figures.
The talks reflect ongoing tension between advancing peace steps and unresolved hostage and security issues.
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