As high-level representatives to the Gaza peace negotiations sought a path to “yes” in talks in Egypt on Wednesday, a key turning point occurred when the parties agreed to split the emerging agreement into two phases.

With White House representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner signing on, a consensus formed to separate a confidence-building first phase from the rest of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan.

Part of that first phase has already begun – a ceasefire in Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces – with the highly anticipated release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners expected by the end of this long U.S. holiday weekend.

Why We Wrote This

To get the breakthrough allowing a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, negotiators decoupled an emot

See Full Page