Photograph: Omar Al Qattaa/AFP via Getty ImagesIsrael’s parliamentary foreign affairs and defence committee was told on Monday that US president Donald Trump intends to move to phase two of the Gaza ceasefire this month. Israel had said it would only agree to such a scenario after the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza have been returned by Hamas for burial. Hamas and Red Cross officials were searching for the remains of police officer Ran Gvili in Gaza City on Monday. Israel retained control of 53 per cent of Gaza under the first phase of Mr Trump’s plan. Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told a diplomatic conference in Doha over the weekend that the Gaza ceasefire is at a critical moment.

Source: The Irish Times December 09, 2025 09:31 UTC