Last Sunday in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he will sit down with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month to chart out the second, more challenging phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. 🤝
Background:
- Phase one kicked off on October 10, following a Hamas attack two years ago. Both sides accused each other of violations.
- During this stage, Palestinian militants released 47 Israeli hostages (living and deceased) — all except an Israeli police officer’s remains.
What’s next?
- Hamas disarmament: Enforcing a weapons handover.
- Israeli troop withdrawal: Stepping back from Gaza’s edges.
- International stabilization force: Bringing in neutral peacekeepers.
Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya told Al Jazeera that “our weapons are linked to the existence of the occupation and the aggression. If the occupation ends, these weapons will be placed under the authority of the state.”
Netanyahu, speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said this second phase “is more difficult,” but offers “opportunities for peace” in the region. Merz echoed support for a two-state solution and urged that phase two “must come now.” 🌍
So far, despite the truce, over 360 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have died in Gaza since October 10, bringing the Palestinian death toll to 70,360, according to local health authorities.
The upcoming Netanyahu-Trump talks at the end of December could set the stage for major shifts in Gaza’s future. Stay tuned! 🔔
Reference(s):
Israeli PM to meet Trump over 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire plan
cgtn.com
