Netanyahu expects to move to Gaza truce second phase soon

JERUSALEM:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday he expected the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire plan for Gaza to begin soon, and said he would meet President Donald Trump this month.

The truce, in effect since October 10, has halted the war that began after Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

But it remains delicate as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violations.

Under the terms of the ceasefire that entered into force on October 10, Palestinian militants committed to releasing the remaining 47 living and dead captives seized on their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

All of the hostages have so far been released except for the body of an Israeli police officer.

Speaking after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said: "We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult."

The plan's initial steps saw Israeli troops withdraw to positions behind a so-called "Yellow Line" in Gaza, though still in control of more than half the territory.

Israel's army chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said the demarcation line is a "new border line", the military quoted him as saying later Sunday.

The second stage of the Gaza truce plan concerns disarming Hamas, the further withdrawal of Israeli forces as a transitional authority is established, and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.

A final goal of the agreement is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in phases if certain conditions are met. "We have a second phase, no less daunting, and that is to achieve the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza," Netanyahu said.

Flurry of aid diplomacy

Qatar and Egypt, which helped secure the long-elusive truce, called Saturday for the next steps to be taken including the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Hamas said on the same day it was ready to hand over its weapons in Gaza to a Palestinian authority on the condition that the Israeli army's occupation ends.

Netanyahu also said he would meet Trump later in December to discuss "opportunities for peace" in the region.

The meeting is expected to take place in Washington after the premier's office said Trump invited Netanyahu to the White House during a phone call Monday.

Before Israel, Germany's Merz was in Jordan where he urged more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.