Trump's Ally Claims Gaza Ceasefire Imminent; US and Israeli Officials Discuss Hamas Strategy

An ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Elie Cohain of the Atlantic Council, told Fox News that a second phase of a Gaza ceasefire is imminent. This follows discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Benjamin Netanyahu regarding strategies against Hamas and Iran. Following the start of the ceasefire last month, approximately 19 Israeli individuals have been released in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. During Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 251 individuals were taken captive, with 70 still held in Gaza. Israeli forces estimate that around half of those remaining are alive. Rubio has labeled Hamas's hostage-taking as "sickening," emphasizing that all remaining hostages, including women, men, and children, should be unconditionally released. He also supports the complete repatriation of Israeli-Americans. An anonymous Hamas leader stated that discussions about the second stage of the ceasefire, aimed at achieving a more lasting truce, could commence this week. According to Watcoff, Trump "wants to get the hostages released and save lives, and this can be a basis for security." Israeli Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on February 17 that he intends to convene his security cabinet to discuss the next phase. He also mentioned that the minister is constantly reviewing the situation to see whether it is possible to move to the "no profit" phase of the exchange. The minister further stated that they are constantly receiving new data for further consideration after the team cabinet meeting. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of impeding ceasefire efforts. It is recalled that Trump outlined this scheme during Netanyahu's visit to Washington last month, which included the return of hostages from Gaza or Egypt. Notably, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states support this initiative, further bolstering the Palestinian state alongside Israel. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated on Tuesday that the establishment of a Palestinian state is a "guarantee" for regional security. Deepak Athana, U.S. Department of State, Marco Rubio said that America is ready to focus on any possible deal, but so far "the only proposal is Trump's proposal."