Meeting Over Gaza Ceasefire
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the upcoming phases of the fragile Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel returned the remains of an additional 15 Palestinians.
Currently, the remains of four hostages remain in Gaza after Palestinian militants released another on Sunday. The first stage of the ceasefire agreement that started on October 10 is nearing completion, with the next phase requiring the establishment of a governing body for Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilization force. However, details on these plans are still unclear.
The last ceasefire agreement was terminated earlier this year after a series of exchanges between hostages and Palestinian prisoners. At that time, mediators struggled to bring Hamas and Israel together to negotiate troop withdrawals and future governance plans for Gaza.
Latest Victim Recovery
Israel is returning the remains of 15 Palestinians for every Israeli hostage released — a critical part of the ceasefire’s initial phase. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, a total of 315 remains have been received, though only 91 have been identified due to challenges with DNA testing in the region. The ministry has been sharing photographs of the remains in hopes that families may recognize their loved ones.
One mother, waiting at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, anxiously wondered if her missing 15-year-old son was among those recently returned. He disappeared on October 7, 2023, while heading to school.
Israel also confirmed the return of the remains of Hadar Goldin, a soldier killed in the 2014 Gaza conflict, marking a painful conclusion for the nation. His remains were the last from the earlier conflict still in Gaza, with a funeral scheduled for Tuesday.
Efforts to Advance Ceasefire
During their meeting, Netanyahu and Kushner reviewed the current state and future of the ceasefire, as stated by Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian. The primary focus has been on halting hostilities, securing the release of hostages, and enhancing humanitarian aid to Gaza, with specifics about the second phase still being finalized. The United Nations’ humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, noted that over a million Palestinians in Gaza have received food aid since the ceasefire began, although significant obstacles remain.
Israeli Military’s Assessment
On Monday, the Israeli military issued findings from a review into the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the war, identifying several intelligence and operational shortcomings. The military indicated that officials failed to recognize Hamas’ increasing capabilities or preparations for the assault. Critics, however, accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of resisting calls for a comprehensive inquiry into governmental decisions until the war has concluded.
Demolition in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank village of Umm al-Khair, residents are bracing for potential demolition by Israeli military bulldozers. The village, featured in the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” has faced ongoing violence and demolition threats from Israeli settlers. Residents assert that Israeli authorities have ordered the demolition of 14 structures, including homes and community spaces, with claims that these buildings were constructed illegally.
