First Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Plan Nearing Completion, Says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Sunday that the first phase of the international ceasefire plan for the conflict in Gaza is “almost complete,” signalling a potential transition soon to the next stage of the accord.

Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a visit to Jerusalem, Netanyahu indicated that the milestone is contingent only on the return of the remains of the final hostage still held in Gaza.

As outlined under the U.S.-backed framework, this initial phase has already seen the release of living Israeli hostages by Hamas, the reciprocal release of thousands of Palestinian detainees, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces to predetermined positions inside Gaza.

Netanyahu indicated that, pending the final procedural step, Israel expects to proceed “very shortly” to the second phase, a more challenging period involving the disarmament of Hamas, demilitarisation of Gaza, deployment of an international stabilisation force, and the establishment of a temporary technocratic administration to govern Gaza during the transition.

Chancellor Merz, while endorsing the plan’s progress, urged immediate advancement to phase two, underscoring Europe’s support for security and stability in Gaza under international supervision.

However, he noted that formal recognition of a Palestinian state or broader political resolutions would be considered only once the plan’s early phases prove successful.

Still, uncertainties remain. Key questions surround the full compliance of armed groups with disarmament, the timing and structure of the international force, and the realisation of humanitarian and administrative stabilisation in Gaza.

Observers warn that despite the fragile ceasefire, violence and reprisals continue in some areas, underscoring the fragility of any peace process without robust enforcement and oversight.

Source: The Guardian; Associated Press; Reuters; Xinhua