US launches Phase Two of Gaza ceasefire agreement

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Two family homes in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, have been targeted by Israeli forces, resulting in at least eight Palestinian fatalities. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, with reports indicating that one of the victims was a 16-year-old minor.

According to the Israeli military, Muhammad al-Hawli was a commander in the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. However, Hamas has disputed this claim, describing the attack as a “despicable crime”.

The incident comes as the United States has announced that it has progressed to the second phase of a 20-point ceasefire deal with Hamas. The plan, which was proposed by former US President Donald Trump, aims to establish a Palestinian technocratic administration overseen by an international “Board of Peace”. The board is expected to be led on the ground by Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov.

The Israeli military has stated that it will define phase two of the ceasefire “on its terms”, which includes the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic administration and the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force. Hamas, however, has welcomed the establishment of the committee, saying it is a “step in the right direction”.

Since the ceasefire took effect, at least 451 Palestinians have been reported killed, including over 100 children. Israel has ordered residents out of more than half of Gaza, where its troops remain behind an apparently mobile “yellow line”. Three Israeli soldiers have also been killed during this period.

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a 15-member technocratic committee, is now meeting in Egypt to begin preparations for entering the territory. The committee will manage day-to-day governance and oversee reconstruction efforts. Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, has been appointed to lead the committee.

The US-proposed Board of Peace is expected to be led on the ground by Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov. Invitations have been sent out to potential board members to personally select them for the role.

Source: Al Jazeera