Top United States envoys met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Cairo, urging his government to advance to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. The discussions centered on reopening the Rafah border crossing and implementing measures such as the deployment of an international monitoring force and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Pressure remains on Netanyahu to ensure the return of the last hostage's remains before moving forward, while the family of Ran Gvili called for increased efforts to secure their son's return.

Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with residents struggling to find fuel and firewood as cold weather intensifies. An Israeli strike killed two Palestinian teenagers searching for firewood in an area designated as safe, sparking further grief and controversy over civilian casualties. The Egyptian government emphasized that opening the Rafah crossing is essential for launching Gaza's reconstruction, but no date has been set for its reopening. Since the ceasefire began, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and many remain displaced in harsh winter conditions.