U.S. envoys, including senior advisers linked to the Trump administration, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging Israel to implement the second phase of a previously brokered ceasefire plan. The next phase would include provisions such as opening the Rafah border crossing and beginning reconstruction and monitoring arrangements; negotiators see it as critical to enabling aid flow and withdrawing forces. Israel has signalled caution, citing outstanding issues including the return of the last hostage’s remains and security concerns, while Egypt and international partners pushed for Rafah to operate in both directions to permit civilian movement and humanitarian deliveries. Meanwhile, Gaza’s civilian population continues to face acute shortages of shelter, power and medical care as winter conditions and damaged infrastructure exacerbate the crisis. Diplomats stress sequencing, monitoring and protection for civilians as prerequisites for advancing reconstruction and stabilisation.