U.S. diplomats push Israel toward next phase of Gaza ceasefire

American envoys pressed Israeli leaders on Saturday to advance the next stage of a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, part of a broader peace initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump. 

The discussions in Cairo with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on moving forward with a phased plan intended to ease the long, bitter conflict.

Under the current arrangement, which has paused major hostilities since October, Israeli forces maintain control of key crossings, including the Rafah entry point to Egypt, according to the Associated Press.

Israel has resisted a full transition to the second stage until further conditions are met, while Egypt has advocated opening Rafah to allow greater movement and aid, and U.S. officials hoped diplomatic hurdles could be overcome soon 

Netanyahu faces domestic calls to delay broader concessions until Hamas hands over the body of the last remaining hostage. Gaza’s interim authority, meanwhile, has signaled that the Rafah crossing will open shortly.