U.S. envoys press Netanyahu to move Gaza ceasefire toward next phase as Rafah crossing looms

Senior U.S. envoys met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push for progress into the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, urging steps that would deepen the truce and set conditions for longer-term stability. The diplomatic push comes as key elements of the next phase remain contested, including hostage-related issues and border-crossing arrangements.

According to reporting, the second phase is linked to the return of the remains of an Israeli hostage still held by Hamas. Mediators have been engaged in talks aimed at resolving the impasse, while officials debate the sequencing of commitments and verification mechanisms.

One of the most consequential near-term issues is the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Egyptian officials have supported reopening Rafah quickly, viewing it as central to humanitarian access and to any broader plan for movement of people and goods as the ceasefire evolves.

Discussions have also included proposals for an international monitoring force and questions about the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. These talks reflect an effort to move beyond a narrow pause in fighting toward a structure that could reduce the likelihood of renewed escalation.

At the same time, violence has continued even with the ceasefire framework in place. An Israeli strike reportedly killed two Palestinian teenagers who were collecting firewood near a designated safe zone, and there were competing claims about their identities and the circumstances of the incident.

Palestinian health officials have reported continued deaths since the ceasefire took effect, underscoring how fragile and contested the arrangement remains. Each new incident risks hardening positions and complicating already difficult negotiations.

Israeli leaders are expected to review Rafah-related decisions at the cabinet level, while mediators continue to work on the technical details and political commitments required to enter a second phase. The coming days will test whether diplomacy can lock in momentum or whether unresolved disputes will stall progress.