Overview
- Qatar’s prime minister said a real ceasefire requires a full Israeli withdrawal, restored stability in Gaza, and freedom of movement, describing the current lull as merely a pause.
- Phase two of the U.S.-backed plan envisions a new governing mechanism for Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and an International Stabilization Force, but contributors, command and mandate remain unresolved.
- Turkey signaled willingness to send troops to the proposed force, while its foreign minister said Israel opposes Turkish participation, as Egypt and Norway urged rapid deployment.
- Negotiators report that 20 living hostages and 27 bodies have been returned, with the remains of Ran Gvili still in Gaza; Israel tied reopening Rafah in both directions to the return, and a group of Muslim-majority states rejected a departures-only plan.
- Gaza authorities say at least 360 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the October 10 ceasefire began, while analysts warn that no state has yet committed forces for phase two, casting doubt on timelines under discussion.