US President Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Hamas leaders and Egyptian mediators on Wednesday night, which ended positively and indicate a near transition to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The discussions focused on governance of Gaza after the war, including names of those who would manage the Strip.
According to sources, American-Egyptian talks discussed releasing all remaining hostages, including dead ones, or face severe consequences. Hamas accused Trump’s threats of supporting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to back out of the ceasefire and intensify the siege of Gaza.
The first phase of the ceasefire ended on Saturday, and Israel has imposed a total blockade on goods entering Gaza. Palestinians warn that the blockade could lead to starvation among the 2.3 million people living in Gaza’s ruins.
Trump met with released hostages on Wednesday and threatened to send Israel everything it needs to finish the war unless Hamas releases the remaining hostages.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-844977