United States envoy Steve Witkoff announced that he and his colleague Jared Kushner held “constructive” discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These talks occurred as Israel maintained its deadly bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which remains under siege. According to Witkoff, the meeting was “positive” and centered on “the continued progress and implementation planning for Phase 2 of President Trump’s 20-Point Plan for Gaza.” The United States and Israel are reportedly advancing this plan in “close partnership.”

Focus of Diplomatic Discussions

Witkoff noted that broader regional issues were also addressed during the Saturday meeting. These issues likely included the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran and speculation about the possibility of further military action similar to the 12-day June war against Tehran.

Current Situation in Gaza

Despite an agreement to a ceasefire mediated by the United States, Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza, with frequent violations of the October 10 agreement. Al Jazeera’s reporter Hani Mahmoud described the situation in Gaza City, reporting almost constant sounds of Israeli gunfire and shelling from the eastern part of the Strip.

Impact on Civilians and Medical Facilities

Medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital confirmed that at least one person was killed and 15 others wounded throughout Sunday. In the northern part of the Strip, local sources from the Jabalia refugee camp cited a drone attack on a medical facility near the “yellow line” separating Israeli- and Palestinian-controlled areas. Israeli military vehicles also unleashed heavy fire and artillery shells in the region. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, as the ongoing violence has made it unsafe for paramedics and Palestinian Civil Defence teams to access the affected areas.

Casualty Figures

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 484 Palestinian deaths and 1,321 wounded since October 11. Since October 7, 2023, the total reported casualties in Gaza amount to 71,657 killed and 171,399 wounded.

Rafah Border Crossing: Prospects and Challenges

In the context of the ongoing Israeli assault, Ali Shaath, head of Gaza’s technocratic committee, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to reopen soon in both directions. Shaath emphasized that reopening Rafah would signify that Gaza is no longer “closed to the future and to the war.” This step would fulfill a crucial element of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, which stipulates the free movement of people through Gaza’s primary gateway to the outside world.

Personal Impact of the Rafah Closure

Ahmed al-JoJo, a Palestinian resident of Gaza, shared his experience of being separated from his fiancée after she crossed into Egypt shortly before the checkpoint was indefinitely closed. He expressed that reopening the crossing would provide a partial solution to the hardships caused by the war, particularly the forced separations among families. However, al-JoJo noted the uncertainty, as previous rumors of reopening have not materialized, and there is widespread suspicion that Israel may use the crossing as a one-way exit, potentially facilitating ethnic cleansing.

Conditions for Reopening

Israeli officials have maintained that the full reopening of the Rafah crossing is contingent upon the return of the one remaining deceased captive and the disarmament of Hamas