Netanyahu Says Gaza Ceasefire Plan Moving to Second Stage Soon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is close to entering the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. He made these remarks during a press conference in Jerusalem with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Netanyahu explained that the next phase will be difficult and complex, but added that Israel is almost ready to move forward. He also said he will meet President Donald Trump later this month to discuss “opportunities for peace” that he believes are now possible after two years of pressure on Iran and its allied groups.

According to Trump’s proposal, an International Stabilization Force would be created, with troops from several Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia and Azerbaijan. These troops would work with Egypt and Israel to maintain order as the Israel Defense Forces leave the Gaza Strip. The proposal also includes the formation of a transitional governing body called the “Board of Peace.” Netanyahu said the first phase will end once the body of the last Israeli hostage is returned. The second phase requires Hamas to be disarmed, and Gaza to be demilitarized, while the third phase aims to “de-radicalize” the region.

Netanyahu noted that he will discuss with Trump how long the disarming process will take and whether international forces may need to enter Gaza. He said they will also talk about which countries could participate if such forces are needed. If not, the two leaders will explore different options. Netanyahu stressed that the commitments of the second phase must be fully met before moving forward. German Chancellor Merz agreed that Hamas cannot remain in Gaza but said he still believes the best long-term solution is the creation of a Palestinian state. However, Germany has not recognized a Palestinian state because it believes the necessary conditions do not yet exist.

Netanyahu said that Israel is open to building peace with Arab nations and hopes to find a workable peace with the Palestinians. But he emphasized that Israel will not support the creation of a state that could threaten its security. Merz added that some of Israel’s neighbors want peaceful relations, while others do not, and said Palestinians must eventually decide the direction they want to take. Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue to pursue broader regional peace and ensure its long-term safety.

Meanwhile, the current truce between Israel and Hamas remains delicate. Both sides continue to accuse each other of breaking the terms. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said ongoing Israeli strikes are creating uncertainty in the region. He also mentioned that tensions between Iran and the United States remain unresolved. Qatar is working as a mediator in the ceasefire discussions along with Egypt. The situation in Gaza continues to be closely watched as the region waits for the next steps in the ceasefire plan, and as Israel prepares for possible political and security changes. With international involvement increasing, the coming weeks may determine how stable the ceasefire will remain and whether a lasting solution can be formed for Gaza’s future.