White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Donald Trump and his team are closely monitoring the ceasefire process in Gaza, stating, “We want to see the ceasefire continue.”

During a press briefing, Leavitt addressed the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza and stated that the Trump administration is fully engaged in the process, with Special Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff closely involved. The spokesperson from the US mentioned, “We are aware that the deadline for the first phase of the ceasefire is approaching. As mentioned before, Steve Witkoff, President Trump, and his team are closely monitoring this issue. We want to see the ceasefire continue. The President also clearly expressed his desire to see all prisoners in Gaza return home.”

FIRST PHASE OF CEASEFIRE COMING TO AN END Israel’s attacks in Gaza, which have been ongoing for over 15 months, have resulted in the deaths of over 61,000 Palestinians, including 14,000 missing under the rubble, and the displacement of 2 million people. Mediating countries such as Qatar had announced an agreement on a ceasefire and a prisoner swap in Gaza between Israel and Hamas on January 15. The agreement, which came into effect on January 19, consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days. The deadline for the first phase of the agreement is March 1.