New details and growing shock over emaciated hostages have renewed pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend a fragile Gaza ceasefire beyond the first phase. Talks on the second phase, aimed at releasing more hostages and achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, were scheduled to begin on Feb. 3. However, little progress has been made between Israel and Hamas, despite Israeli forces withdrawing from a Gaza corridor as a commitment to the truce.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu sent a delegation to Qatar, a key mediator, but the inclusion of low-level officials has raised doubts about the potential for a breakthrough. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to taking control of the Palestinian enclave, expressing a desire to buy and own Gaza to prevent Hamas from regaining control. Trump's proposal has faced criticism from various quarters, including Arab nations and the international community.
