Netanyahu: Israel and Hamas Will to Enter Second Phase of Ceasefire

Israel and Hamas are expected to soon enter the second phase of their ceasefire, following the return of the last hostage remains from Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Speaking with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he said this stage could start by the end of the month and will involve disarming Hamas and withdrawing Israeli troops.

The remains of 24-year-old police officer Ran Gvili, killed in the October 2023 Hamas attack, have yet to be returned. The second phase also calls for an international force to secure Gaza and a temporary Palestinian administration under international supervision. Hamas has expressed willingness to discuss “freezing, storing, or laying down” its weapons.

Netanyahu acknowledged the next phase will be difficult and said the ultimate goal is to deradicalize Gaza, similar to efforts in other regions, though Hamas must first be dismantled. The return of Gvili’s remains and 15 Palestinian bodies from Israel would complete the first phase.

Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir described the “Yellow Line” in Gaza as a new defensive border.

Merz said Germany is assisting with personnel and humanitarian aid while reaffirming support for a two-state solution.

Since the ceasefire began, over 370 Palestinians have died. The 2023 Hamas attack killed about 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages, most of whom have been returned. Israel’s Gaza offensive has resulted in at least 70,360 Palestinian deaths, nearly half women and children.