Channel 13: Witkoff confirm second phase of Gaza deal to start in early January

Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Wednesday evening that Washington has informed Israel and the mediators that the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan put forward by US President Donald Trump will begin in early January.

The Hebrew-language channel quoted a senior Israeli official, whom it did not name, as saying: “US special envoy Steve Witkoff informed Israel and the mediators that the second phase of the Gaza agreement will begin in early January.”

According to the channel, Israel fears that Trump may push for a move to the second phase without the disarmament of Gaza.

Israel and Hamas reached a two-phase ceasefire agreement on Gaza on 9 October, through mediation by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, under the sponsorship of US President Donald Trump. The deal was based on a 20-point plan proposed by Trump to end the war.

The first phase of the agreement came into force the following day. However, Israel violated the deal hundreds of times and failed to fully implement its provisions, particularly those related to humanitarian issues and the entry of aid, despite Hamas’s full commitment. This led to the killing of more than 400 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

Israel has also delayed the transition to the second phase, citing the continued holding of the body of one of its soldiers in Gaza. Palestinian factions say they are continuing to search for the body amid the massive destruction caused by the Israeli offensive.

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