Kushner in Israel as trapped Hamas fighters issue bedevils Gaza truce progress

U.S. mediators met Israel's prime minister on Monday with attention turning to the second, far more complex, phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal and the immediate problem of a standoff over a group of Hamas fighters still holed up in tunnels. Israel's government spokesperson said Netanyahu and Kushner had discussed disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza and ensuring the group would never again have a governing role in the enclave - all issues to be resolved in the next phase of truce talks. Making longer-term progress on the ceasefire plan will require agreement on a transitional governing body for Gaza without Hamas involvement, the formation of the stabilization force and the setting of the terms of its involvement, Hamas disarmament and reconstruction.