Israel and Hamas are “very shortly expected to move into the second phase of the ceasefire,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, marking a significant development in the U.S.-brokered plan aimed at ending the two-year Gaza war.
Netanyahu also said at a joint news conference in Jerusalem with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the transition to the next phase may start once Hamas returns the remains of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old Israeli police officer killed in the attacks on October 7, 2023.
Second Phase: Disarming Hamas, Deployment of International Force
Under President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire roadmap, the second phase includes:
Disarm Hamas
Demilitarising Gaza
Deploying an international security force
The establishment of a temporary technocratic Palestinian administration which would headed by an international board presided over by the U.S. president
This phase “could the end of the month” provided the final hostage remains handed over, said Netanyahu. Israel expected to return 15 Palestinian bodies as part of the exchange that completes Phase One.
The Hamas officials said that not all remains could retrieved because of the extensive destruction in Gaza. Israel has blamed the group for delaying that process and threatened to either resume military action or withhold humanitarian aid if the deal sputters.
Key Partner: Germany Steps In
Chancellor Merz, visiting Israel during one of the most sensitive phases of the ceasefire, said that Germany was already supporting Phase Two by:
sending officers and diplomats to a U.S.-led coordination centre in southern Israel
Increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza
“We will always stand up for the existence and security of Israel. It is the unchanging core of our relationship.” Thus, Merz reaffirmed a long-standing German position.
He also restated Germany’s position regarding the statehood of Palestine — that recognition must come after a negotiated solution, not before.
Netanyahu Warns of a Difficult Road Ahead
“Many have doubted that Phase One would succeed,” Netanyahu said, adding that the remaining steps were “going to be just as challenging.”
He also pointed to a possible third phase aimed at “deradicalising Gaza,” likening it to post-war transitions in Germany and Japan.
The Israeli leader said he expects to meet President Trump later this month to discuss “opportunities for peace” and accelerate the next stages of the Gaza plan.
ICC Concerns Shadow Diplomatic Travel
Netanyahu added that he has avoided traveling abroad to date, because of the potential for an arrest warrant from the ICC issued last year regarding alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Merz also said that for the time being, there are no plans to invite the Israeli head of government, but he did not rule out a visit either.
He added that it was not aware of any forthcoming EU sanctions against Israel and said there were no plans to reimpose a ban on military exports which had previously lifted.
Fighting Continues Despite Ceasefire The Israeli military said it killed a militant who crossed the Yellow Line dividing Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza from the rest of the territory.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported more than 370 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began, including six new deaths in the last 24 hours. Israel contests portions of the reporting by the ministry, but the figures considered reliable by the United Nations. According to the ministry, Israel’s offensive has killed over 70,360 Palestinians since 2023; almost half are women and children. In total about 1,200 were killed in Israel in the October 7 attack that started the war by Hamas. More than 250 hostages were taken into Gaza. Almost all have now been freed or their remains recovered.
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