Netanyahu Says Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Plan to Begin Soon

WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the second phase of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan is expected to start soon. Netanyahu also confirmed he would meet US President Donald Trump later this month in Washington to discuss regional peace efforts.

The ceasefire, in place since October 10, halted the war triggered by Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. As part of the agreement, Palestinian militants committed to releasing the remaining 47 captives. All have been released except for the body of an Israeli police officer.

The second phase of the plan includes disarming Hamas, forming a transitional authority, and deploying an international stabilisation force. Netanyahu, speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, said this stage would be “more difficult” but is expected to begin soon.

Read more: Israel Violates Gaza Ceasefire with Deadly New Attacks

Merz, on his first official trip to Israel since taking office, reiterated Germany’s support for Israel while also urging implementation of the next steps of the ceasefire plan. He acknowledged Germany’s historical responsibility toward the Jewish people but said criticism of the Israeli government’s policies should not be conflated with antisemitism. Germany is providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and plans to contribute to reconstruction.

Despite the truce, more than 360 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed, according to officials. Israel-Germany relations, though strained during the conflict, remain strong, especially in defense cooperation. Germany recently activated the first stage of the Israeli-made Arrow missile defense system, part of a $4.5-billion agreement — the largest arms export in Israel’s history.

Netanyahu also faces an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza, but Merz reaffirmed he would still welcome the Israeli leader to Germany, insisting he would not be arrested there.