US President Donald Trump on Sunday repeated his pledge that the US would take control of the Palestinian enclave amid mounting pressure to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
New details and growing shock over emaciated hostages renewed pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prolong a fragile Gaza ceasefire beyond the first phase.
Talks on the second phase of the ceasefire were due to start on February 3. An extension of the ceasefire meant to see more hostages released and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza corridor
However, both warring sides appear to have made little progress on the ceasefire. But, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a Gaza corridor, the latest commitment to the truce, strengthened the hope for round two of the ceasefire.
Netanyahu sent a delegation to Qatar, a key mediator, but it included low-level officials, sparking speculation that it won’t lead to a breakthrough. Netanyahu, who returned after a US visit to meet with Trump, is expected to convene security Cabinet ministers on Tuesday.
