US, Israeli officials meet on implementing next Gaza ceasefire phase

A high-level United States delegation has held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem, focusing on the implementation of the next stage of the Gaza ceasefire framework brokered by the Trump administration.

High-Level Delegation and Meeting Focus

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on Sunday that the talks on Saturday were "constructive and positive." The delegation included senior Trump advisers Jared Kushner, Aryeh Lightstone, and Josh Gruenbaum. According to a statement, the meeting centered on "continued progress and implementation planning for Phase 2 of President Donald Trump’s 20-Point Plan for Gaza," with both sides emphasizing close partnership and alignment on next steps.

The Stalled Rafah Crossing Issue

A key logistical hurdle remains the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which was stipulated in the first ceasefire phase that began in October. While Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian technocratic committee for Gaza, recently announced its imminent reopening, Israeli officials have not confirmed this. Reports suggest Israel links the crossing's operation to the recovery of the remains of the last captive held in Gaza, indicating ongoing disputes within the Israeli establishment.

Terms of the Second Phase and Ongoing Violence

The second phase of the agreement outlines critical steps: the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian factions, a further withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the launch of massive reconstruction efforts estimated by the UN to cost $70 billion. Despite the ceasefire, reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicate that Israeli attacks have continued, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties since the truce began. The conflict has caused extensive devastation and a high death toll since its onset in October 2023.