Israel Nears Second Phase of Trump's Gaza Plan, Netanyahu Announces
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the second phase of President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan is imminent, despite persisting disagreements on key elements for the continuation of the truce. The Israeli leader said he would meet with Trump later this month to discuss the next steps, including contentious issues such as the disarmament of Hamas, the governance of Gaza, and the deployment of an international security force.
Background and Context
The ceasefire plan, endorsed by the UN and implemented since October, has reduced fighting between Israel and Hamas but has not completely halted the hostilities. Over 600 ceasefire violations have been reported, resulting in more than 373 fatalities and around 900 injuries. The first phase of the plan saw Israeli troops withdraw to positions behind a so-called Yellow Line
in Gaza, retaining control of more than half the territory.
Key Developments
Netanyahu's remarks were made during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was visiting Israel for his first official visit. We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult,
said Netanyahu. The second phase of the plan involves the disarmament of Hamas, further withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a transitional authority and an international stabilization force.
Negotiations on the Gaza stabilization force remain ongoing according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. However, Netanyahu voiced skepticism over whether an international force can disarm Hamas, although he said he would give it a chance.
Implications and Reactions
Hamas, for its part, seems ready to discuss 'freezing or storing' its weapons, according to Bassem Naim, a representative of the terror group. We hope to avoid any further clashes,
Naim said. However, he added that Trump's peace plan, which mandates the group's disarmament, needs 'a lot of clarifications'.
Israeli military claims the yellow line is the 'new border', but questions remain over the role of the stabilization force in Gaza. Wide gaps remain on key issues yet to be discussed under Trump's plan to end the war, including Hamas disarmament, the governance of post-war Gaza, and the composition and mandate of an international security force in the enclave.
Current Status
Netanyahu will meet with Trump on 29 December to discuss the future steps of the Gaza ceasefire, as confirmed by an Israeli government spokesperson. The meeting will take place in Florida and may extend over a week.
Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues at stake, it remains to be seen how the second phase of the truce will unfold. However, Netanyahu's announcement indicates a sense of cautious optimism, as both parties move toward a difficult but potentially transformative process.