US envoys urge Netanyahu to move into Gaza ceasefire’s second phase

The US is anxious to keep the Trump-brokered deal moving, but Mr Netanyahu faces pressure to wait until Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage in Gaza

Palestinians receive donated food at a community kitchen in Nuseirat, in central Gaza on Saturday. Picture: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

Top US envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, urging his government to move into the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Mr Trump’s son-in-law and Middle East adviser, according to the prime minister’s office, which did not give details of the discussions. A White House official confirmed the meeting.