U.N. backs ceasefire: Yesterday, the United Nations Security Council threw its support behind a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly said behind closed doors that he would support this ceasefire, though he has publicly made noises that contradict that commitment. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the ceasefire agreement "is down to one person"—meaning Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' leader.
As I wrote in Roundup last week, the plan has three phases. "The first, which would last for six weeks, would include a 'full and complete ceasefire' as well as total withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza and the release of many hostages taken by Hamas—women, the elderly—in exchange for 'hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.' Phase two would involve negotiations between Israel and Hamas, but also the release of all remaining hostages and the total withdrawal of Israeli forces. The temporary ceasefire would be made permanent. Phase three would involve rebuilding the Gaza Strip."
