Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has downplayed the significance of the U.S. announcement regarding the Gaza ceasefire’s progression into its second phase, raising doubts about the implementation of its more complex components. In a separate development, two Israeli airstrikes in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including a senior Hamas military figure, as reported by local health authorities on Thursday.
Both the Israeli military and Hamas have not immediately commented on the incident. Hamas criticized the strikes on the Al-Holy family, accusing Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement in effect since October and attempting to reignite hostilities. Netanyahu, while speaking with the parents of the last Israeli hostage whose remains are still in Gaza, dismissed the governing committee of Palestinians announced for the second phase as merely a symbolic gesture, contrary to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s portrayal of progress.
The composition of the proposed governing committee of Palestinian experts, along with an international “Board of Peace,” and the timing of international forces’ deployment and the reopening of Gaza’s southern Rafah border crossing, remain among the unanswered questions. Ali Shaath, the designated head of the committee, anticipates a three-year reconstruction and recovery process starting with immediate needs like shelter.
The second phase of the ceasefire faces challenges, including disarming Hamas and transitioning to a new governance structure after nearly two decades under Hamas rule in Gaza. Hamas has pledged to dissolve its existing government to make way for the new committee but has not clarified the fate of its military wing and affiliated civil servants.
Despite progress announced with the commencement of Phase 2, violence continues in Gaza, with over 450 casualties since the ceasefire began in October, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The lack of tangible changes on the ground has led to skepticism among Palestinians, with concerns about ongoing bloodshed and difficulties in accessing basic necessities like food, fuel, and medical care. Gaza’s population of approximately two million people continues to endure challenges, including cold weather, humanitarian aid shortages, and inadequate temporary housing during the winter months.
Rewritten by [Assistant’s Name]