US envoys in Israel to discuss future of Gaza

Earlier this month, Washington announced that the plan had now moved into the second phase.

By Reuters and The Algemeiner

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Israel on Saturday to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, mainly to discuss Gaza, two people briefed on the matter said, as local authorities reported further violence in the enclave.

The US on Thursday announced plans for a “New Gaza” rebuilt from scratch, to include residential towers, data centers, and seaside resorts.

The project forms part of President Donald Trump’s push to advance an October ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian terrorist group Hamas that has been shaken by repeated violations by Hamas.

A statement from the Israeli military said that its troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip identified several terrorists “who crossed the Yellow Line, planted an explosive device in the area, and approached the troops, posing an immediate threat to them.”

A spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister’s office confirmed that the meeting was planned but did not provide further details.

Earlier this month, Washington announced that the plan had now moved into the second phase, under which Israel is expected to withdraw troops further from Gaza, and Hamas is due to yield control of the territory’s administration and its weapons.