Photograph: Saher Alghorra/New York TimesHamas has said it is ready to hand over the administration of Gaza to the Palestinian technocratic committee which was set up last week. The UK has ‌also signalled its willingness to ⁠play a ‌role in the ‍second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. However, diplomatic sources claimed Israel knew in advance and had no choice but to accept Mr Trump’s decision. Lawmaker Yair Golan, leader of the left-wing opposition Democrats, blamed Mr Netanyahu for refusing throughout the Gaza war to discuss a “day after” plan. “Because of Netanyahu’s failed government, the countries that hosted, nurtured and funded Hamas are expected to enter Gaza again,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times January 20, 2026 16:45 UTC