Israeli political officials stressed that the shift to phase two, announced earlier by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, does not undermine efforts to advance the three main objectives Israel has yet to achieve – the return of the body of the last slain hostage, the disarmament of Hamas, and the demilitarization of Gaza

Part of a wider campaign against UNRWA, the move follows new laws banning its activity in Israel and orders to cut water and power to remaining Jerusalem sites. UNRWA warns clinics, schools and centers serving hundreds of refugee youths could shut, ending its decades-long presence in the city

Southern Israeli municipalities said they were opening public bomb shelters, as the Lufthansa Group said it will operate flights to and from Tel Aviv as day flights only, citing the Middle East situation and the need for crews to return to base without overnight stays in Israel