The changes come as pressure mounts for Israel and Hamas to move into the second phase of the ceasefire plan that U.S. President Donald Trump brokered in October. Under the terms of the ceasefire, all living and dead hostages would be released before a second phase focused on Gaza’s postwar governance would be negotiated.

President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan is set to enter a new phase within weeks, but crucial pieces of the agreement remain undefined as Israel tightens its military grip on the battered enclave.

The past two months of a tenuous ceasefire have marked a mix of emotions: catharsis from hostages’ return to their families, distrust over claims of ceasefire violations, uncertainty about a difficult rebuilding process to come and tentative hope for a better future.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Hamas on Tuesday called for more international pressure on Israel before the group moves forward with the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, with a Hamas leader saying it wants Israel to open a key border crossing, cease deadly strikes and allow more aid into the strip devastated by the two-year war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas are expected to move into the second phase of their ceasefire soon, as Hamas indicates a willingness to give up its arms.

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that Israel and Hamas are "very shortly expected to move into the second phase of the ceasefire " just after Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage in Gaza.

Israel received a body on Wednesday that Hamas said was one of the last two deceased hostages in the Gaza Strip. It comes as Israel said it would allow Gaza's gateway to Egypt to open once all hostages were returned.

Turkey, Egypt and Qatar officials meet in Cairo to discuss the next phase of a Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal amid ongoing violation allegations and obstacles.

Israel said Wednesday that the “findings” returned from Gaza do not match either of the hostages taken during Hamas’ 2023 attack who remain in Gaza. It's yet another challenge to the fragile ceasefire.

The other hostages — Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lubanov and Carmel Gat — sit with their fellow captives. Sarusi appears visibly distressed as he makes the blessing over the candles, and the cameraman captures wrenching comments as the six young adults sing the song “Maoz Tzur.”