Dier-Al-Balah, Jan 16: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the US-announced second phase of the Gaza ceasefire largely symbolic, describing it as a “declarative move,” while key implementation questions remain unresolved.The phase proposes an apolitical Palestinian governing committee and international oversight, but critical issues such as disarming Hamas, reopening Gaza’s southern Rafah crossing, and rebuilding the territory remain uncertain.
Palestinians continue to endure violence, shortages, and harsh winter conditions, with over 450 deaths since the initial truce and more than 71,000 killed since the October 2023 conflict began.
Hamas has agreed to dissolve its government for the committee but has not clarified the fate of its military wing or civil servants, leaving progress unclear.