Overview
- A U.S. official confirmed intensive talks on activating phase two of the plan, and Benjamin Netanyahu said the first phase is nearing completion.
- Khaled Meshaal said Hamas wants U.S. approval for a disarmament approach focused on storing and safeguarding weapons, calling on-the-ground surrender “removing the soul” of the group.
- Phase two would involve Israeli withdrawals, Palestinian disarmament, a new governing arrangement, and an International Stabilisation Force, with Israel rejecting Turkish participation as Hamas signals openness to peacekeepers modeled on UNIFIL.
- Hamas officials accused Israel of failing to fully implement phase one, citing continued restrictions on aid, the closed Rafah crossing, and military positions along a so‑called Yellow Line that Hamas says breach the deal.
- Gaza health authorities report more than 70,000 Palestinians killed and over 170,000 injured during the war, as mediators warn that unresolved disarmament and enforcement disputes could jeopardize the transition.