Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 23, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Witkoff says he expects second stage of ceasefire-hostage deal, is working on phase one ‘extension’
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, left, and US National Security Adviser Michael Walz, walk after speaking to the media outside the West Wing of the White House, in Washington, February 4, 2025. (AP/Alex Brandon)
White House special envoy Steve Witkoff says he will be in the region on Wednesday to work to “get an extension of phase one” of the hostage release-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
“We’ll reach the area later this week, probably on Wednesday, to negotiate that,” he says, speaking to CNN.
“And we’re hopeful that we have the proper time… to begin phase two, and finish it off and get more hostages released.”
Witkoff says the US expects “there will be a phase two” of the deal, adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is motivated to make a deal.
“Hamas cannot be part of a future government” in Gaza, Witkoff insists.
