Trump’s envoy says US expects Phase Two of Israel-Hamas deal to proceed

Steve Witkoff made the comment in a CNN interview, when asked about Israel’s decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. “We have to get an extension of phase one,” Witkoff said. “I’ll be going to the region this week, probably Wednesday, to negotiate that.” Israel reneged on its promise to release more than 600 Palestinian prisoners yesterday, as per the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, citing dissatisfaction with the way that Israeli captives were being released by Hamas.