US envoy in Jerusalem to press Gaza ceasefire

JARED KUSHNER MEETS NETANYAHU AS US LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR PHASE 2

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A security guard among women waiting to access a Bank of Palestine branch, following its reopening in Gaza City Sunday.

(Bloomberg)

US envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem yesterday as Washington pressed efforts to ensure the fragile Gaza ceasefire holds.

The October 10 truce has largely halted the war that erupted after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

As part of its first stage, a series of prisoner and hostage exchanges have taken place in recent weeks.

Netanyahu's office confirmed his meeting with Kushner, but did not provide details.

Israeli media said his visit coincided with US efforts to stabilise the truce and lay the groundwork for its next phase.

The second stage of the truce aims to tackle some of the most sensitive issues: Hamas's disarmament, Gaza reconstruction, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.