Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has commented on the US announcement regarding the transition of the Gaza ceasefire to its second phase, describing it as a largely “symbolic step.”
During a conversation with the parents of the final Israeli hostage whose remains are still held in Gaza, Netanyahu stated that the Palestinian governing committee—announced as part of the second phase—is merely a “symbolic gesture” rather than a true indicator of progress. This stands in contrast to the description provided by US Envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Sky News Arabia.
Earlier, the parents of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili had pressured Netanyahu not to proceed with the ceasefire until their son’s remains were returned, as reported by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum this past Wednesday. Netanyahu assured Gvili’s parents that recovering their son’s remains remains a top priority.
