US, Qatar plan second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal

The Trump administration is actively working on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, aiming to transition from the initial 42-day truce to a permanent resolution. Officials have expressed concerns about the challenges ahead, attributing some difficulties to the previous administration, with one official stating, "What Biden left us with is the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end." Concurrently, Qatar has confirmed its role in facilitating the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of commitment from both Israel and Hamas for the agreement's success. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson noted that discussions for the second phase are scheduled to begin on the 16th day of the first phase, with optimism regarding the deal's implementation. The ongoing exchange of hostages and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza are seen as positive developments supporting the ceasefire. However, the situation remains delicate, with potential for changes depending on actions from either side.