IDF reports 2 new strikes in Lebanon
Israeli strikes continue in southern and eastern Lebanon despite a ceasefire.
The ceasefire in Gaza is broadly holding, despite sporadic clashes between the Israel Defense Forces and Gaza militants -- plus deadly IDF airstrikes.
Israeli forces inside the strip have pulled back to the so-called "yellow line." Israel Defense Forces chief Eyal Zamir said the position constitutes "a new border line" with Gaza.
The ceasefire is still in the first of three proposed phases. The details of the second phase of the agreement are yet to be agreed. The remains of one deceased hostage are still thought to be in Gaza.
Israeli strikes are also ongoing against alleged Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon.
Key Headlines
Witkoff confirms US met with foreign delegation on Gaza peace plan
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed that the U.S. met with officials from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in Miami, Florida, to discuss the Gaza peace plan, in which they reviewed implementation plans for phase one and began preparing for phase two.
“The first phase has yielded progress, including expanded humanitarian assistance, the return of hostage bodies, partial force withdrawals, and a reduction in hostilities,” Witkoff wrote on X.
Regarding phase two of the ceasefire plan, Witkoff added that the US emphasized “enabling a governing body in Gaza under a unified Gazan authority to protect civilians and maintain public order.”
Witkoff also confirmed the U.S.’ “support for the near-term establishment and operationalization of the Board of Peace as a transitional administration for the civilian, security, and reconstruction tracks of the reconstruction.” In reviewing the "next steps in the phased implementation" of the plan, Witkoff stressed the importance of working in partnership with local Gazan institutions and international partners.
“We reaffirm our full commitment to the entirety of the President’s 20-point peace plan and call on all parties to uphold their obligations, exercise restraint, and cooperate with monitoring arrangements,” Witkoff said.
Witkoff added that "further consultations” in anticipation of phase two will take place in the "coming weeks." As Mariam noted below, phase two of the peace plan is expected to be announced in the new year.
Gaza cold weather death toll rises to 13, health officials say
A one-month-old infant, Saeed Asaad Abdeen, died in Gaza due to a "severe drop in temperature," the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
The number of deceased people who have arrived at hospitals in the Gaza Strip as a result of a recent winter storm and resulting extreme cold stood at 13 as of Thursday morning, the ministry said.
ABC News' Nasser Atta, Diaa Ostaz, Samy Zyara and Guy Davies