The body of just one Israeli hostage remains in Gaza, nearing the fulfillment of a key plank of President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan for the enclave, but major hurdles exist to a planned second phase.

Doubts remain over whether negotiators can overcome those obstacles, even as they face renewed pressure to advance into Phase 2 — a step intended to prevent any return to the high levels of violence that preceded the ceasefire .

Trump noted last week that Phase 2 would commence “pretty soon,” without giving a more specific timetable. Axios reported Thursday that the White House is hoping to announce the second phase before Christmas and unveil the new governance structure for the enclave, citing two U.S. officials and a Western source directly involved in the process.

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