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The ceasefire in Gaza entered a second phase, marked by the launch of a new Palestinian-led committee under Ali Shabat to assume governance and security responsibilities. Hamas has instructed its agencies to prepare for this handover, though reports suggest some leaders may depart Gaza. A central unresolved issue is the future of Hamas's weapons and police force, with the group seeking a continued role for its police despite international disarmament calls. The committee has pledged to provide security and services, with a U.S. general reportedly set to lead an international stabilization force. Internally, Hamas faces significant challenges, including unconfirmed reports of leader Yahya Sinwar's death, efforts to rebuild its leadership, and an anti-Hamas militia claiming responsibility for killing the police chief in Khan Yunis.
In the West Bank, a series of violent incidents occurred, including settlers burning homes and wounding residents in southern villages with no arrests reported. Israeli forces conducted raids, arresting and wounding Palestinians, and a video showed masked, armed men beating a Palestinian. Separately, a Palestinian man was sentenced to over five years in prison on terrorism charges.
Israel recovered the body of the last known hostage, Ran Gvili, and immediately refocused on military and political pressure on Gaza. Netanyahu declared Israel will maintain long-term security control over Gaza and refuse reconstruction until Hamas is disarmed, as airstrikes continued and territorial control expanded despite the ceasefire. Israel is planning a renewed major offensive for March and managing Palestinian movement to allow more departures than returns. Concurrently, Trump launched a second phase of a U.S.-backed plan involving a 'Board of Peace' and a Palestinian committee to disarm Hamas and destroy its tunnels, but the plan faces internal Israeli division and reported European skepticism. Trump issued public warnings that Hamas must surrender weapons or be destroyed.
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian communities, setting fire to a village, while the military conducted a large raid in Hebron, arresting suspects and seizing weapons. Israeli officials approved new gun permits for settlers and are implementing a system to tighten control over Palestinian movement. Regionally, Israel carried out airstrikes in Lebanon targeting sites linked to Hezbollah and Hamas and is preparing for a potential offensive in Gaza City. Regarding borders, Israel has not reopened the Rafah crossing, linking it to Gvili's return, though Israeli and Egyptian officials are coordinating preparations for its reopening.
2 topics | 162 sources
The United States announced the start of the second phase of a ceasefire plan for Gaza. This phase involves forming a Palestinian committee to manage the territory and focuses on the disarmament of Hamas. Trump, who is mentioned in many of the reports, has repeatedly warned that Hamas must give up its weapons or face being destroyed. A senior Hamas official stated the group never agreed to disarm and has not been directly asked to do so. The US has outlined a plan that includes an internationally funded weapons buyback program and potential amnesty for those who hand over arms. Hamas says it has instructed its agencies in Gaza to prepare to hand over responsibilities to an international committee as part of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian casualties have continued to be reported in Gaza.
A Palestinian man has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison on terrorism charges. The sentencing was reported by multiple news sources, though the specific details of the case were not provided in the headlines.
7 topics | 417 sources
Jan 31
Israel recovers last hostage body, links Rafah crossing reopening to search completion amid ceasefire tensionsIsrael has recovered the body of Ran Gvili, the last known Israeli hostage held in Gaza, closing a major chapter of the conflict. The recovery operation involved a large-scale search, and Israel has stated it will reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt only after completing this search. Ongoing talks between Israel and Egypt are focused on the conditions for reopening the crossing, all occurring amid rising ceasefire tensions.
Jan 30
Israeli military raids and settler violence escalate across the West BankThe Israeli military is conducting large-scale raids and counterterrorism operations in the West Bank, particularly in Hebron, reporting a major drop in Palestinian attacks. Simultaneously, a series of violent incidents involving Israeli settlers has occurred, with reports of settlers burning buildings and homes in several villages, wounding residents, with no arrests made.
Jan 30
Israel launches strikes in Lebanon and Syria border area targeting Hezbollah and Hamas sitesThe Israeli military carried out a series of strikes across Lebanon, targeting sites belonging to Hezbollah and Hamas. In a related development, Israel also conducted airstrikes in the Hermel area, targeting four border crossings between Syria and Lebanon that it says are used by Hezbollah.
Jan 22
Israel plans new military operation in Gaza City, may need Trump's approvalIsrael is planning a new military offensive in Gaza City, which could begin in March. According to officials, this operation might require approval from Trump, who is currently a presidential candidate, before it proceeds.
Jan 29
Settlers attack Bedouin community near JerusalemSettlers attacked the Bedouin community of Ma'ale Adumim, located northeast of Jerusalem. The incident has been described as a crime in the city.