Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas to begin second ceasefire phase
Second stage includes disarming Hamas, Israeli troop withdrawal, international force deployment, and temporary Palestinian government formation
TEL AVIV, Israel (MNTV) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel and Hamas are expected to move into the second phase of the ceasefire soon, following the planned return of the last hostage remains held in Gaza.
Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said the second stage, which involves disarming Hamas and withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, could commence by the end of December.
The ceasefire’s second phase begins with deploying an international force in Gaza, a move seen as controversial in its practicality.
The phase also plans establishing a temporary Palestinian government to manage day-to-day affairs under oversight by a U.S.-led international board.
A senior Hamas official said the group is ready to discuss “freezing or laying down” weapons as part of the agreement, addressing one of the most challenging issues ahead.
Netanyahu acknowledged that while few believed the first phase could be achieved, the second stage will be equally difficult.
In the first phase, however, as agreed by Israel to stop its bombardment, it has continued to strike Gaza, with relentless bombing campaigns, killing hundreds of Palestinians since the ceasefire.
The return of Gvili’s remains, coupled with Israel’s handover of 15 Palestinian bodies, would conclude the first stage of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan.
Hamas has argued that some remains remain inaccessible, buried under rubble from Israel’s two-year offensive, while Israel has threatened renewed military action or aid restrictions.
Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir described the Yellow Line dividing Israeli-controlled areas from the rest of Gaza as a “new border,” serving as a forward defensive line and operational boundary.
Chancellor Merz confirmed Germany’s support for Israel, sending officers and diplomats to a U.S.-controlled center in southern Israel and providing controversial humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He reiterated Germany’s support for a two-state solution, noting recognition of a Palestinian state would only follow successful negotiations.
Netanyahu also noted that concerns over an ICC arrest warrant prevent him from visiting Germany, though Merz said a future invitation remains possible.
Germany’s previous temporary military export ban to Israel was lifted after the ceasefire began on October 10, and no new sanctions are currently planned even though Israel has continuously broken the peace agreement.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported killing a Palestinian attempting to cross the Yellow Line. Palestine’s Health Ministry reported over 370 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began, with six fatalities in the past 24 hours.
Overall, the Israeli offensive has killed at least 70,360 Palestinians, nearly half of whom were women and children, according to Palestinian and UN-led figures.
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