US envoy expects phase two of Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to move forward

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced that the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal is expected to proceed. He plans to visit the Middle East next week to negotiate an extension of the current ceasefire. Israel has postponed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners until the next hostages are assured. This follows a recent handover of six hostages by Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 48,000 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023. The situation has led to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.