The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is expected to begin in early January, according to Israeli media citing a senior Israeli official. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly informed Israel and mediators that the next stage of the Gaza deal would start at the beginning of the new year. Israeli officials have expressed concern that U.S. President Donald Trump may proceed with the next phase without ensuring the disarmament of Hamas.

The ceasefire was originally agreed on October 9 under Trump’s peace plan, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. However, Gaza’s Health Ministry stated that Israeli violations of the agreement and delays in implementing the second phase have resulted in the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed over 71,000 people, most of them women and children, and injured more than 171,000 others.

The report, citing TRT World, suggests that the coming phase will test the durability of the ceasefire and the effectiveness of international mediation efforts.