Israeli PM expects next stage of ceasefire soon, involving Hamas disarmament, and confirms a meeting with US President Donald Trump this month
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he expects the second phase of the US-sponsored Gaza ceasefire to begin shortly.
The truce, in effect since October 10, halted the war that began after Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Netanyahu stated the upcoming phase would be more difficult, focusing on disarming Hamas and demilitarising Gaza.
He confirmed he will meet US President Donald Trump later this month to discuss regional peace opportunities.
The meeting is expected at the White House following an invitation extended during a phone call.
Under the initial ceasefire terms, Palestinian militants committed to releasing the remaining 47 captives seized in the 2023 attack.
All living hostages have been released except for the body of an Israeli police officer.
The plan’s first phase saw Israeli troops withdraw to positions behind a designated “Yellow Line” in Gaza.
Israel’s army chief referred to this demarcation as a “new border line”.
The second stage concerns disarming Hamas, further Israeli withdrawal, and deploying an international stabilisation force.
A final goal is the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza if certain conditions are met.
Qatar and Egypt, which helped secure the truce, called for the next steps including Israeli troop withdrawal.
Hamas said it was ready to hand over its weapons in Gaza to a Palestinian authority if the Israeli occupation ends.
Netanyahu made the remarks after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem.
Merz urged implementation of the plan’s next steps while reaffirming Berlin’s support for Israel.
He stated criticism of Israel’s government was possible but must not be misused as antisemitism.
The German leader also underscored support for a two-state solution.
Merz visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, acknowledging Germany’s “enduring historical responsibility”.
Germany had restricted weapons sales for use in Gaza but lifted those export restrictions after the ceasefire.
Despite the truce, local health authorities report over 360 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, along with three Israeli soldiers.
Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The prime minister said he is not visiting Germany because of the ICC decision.
Merz had previously vowed to invite Netanyahu and assured he would not be arrested. – AFP
