World · 2 February 2026
Witkoff meets Netanyahu in Israel as Rafah crossing reopens for 20000
US envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Israel February 3 to meet PM Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir regarding the Gaza ceasefire. The visit follows the February 2 reopening of the Rafah crossing, allowing the first medical evacuee to enter Egypt. Gaza health officials estimate 20,000 patients await evacuation. The talks address the second phase of Trump’s plan, demanding Hamas disarmament and governance transfer to Palestinian technocrats amid ongoing tensions.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs