Netanyahu Anticipates Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire, Plans Meeting with Trump
Table of Contents
The U.S.-sponsored ceasefire in Gaza is poised too enter a more challenging second phase, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday, December 7, 2025. He also revealed plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month to discuss regional peace opportunities. The current truce, which began on October 10, stemmed from a devastating Hamas attack on israel on October 7, 2023, but remains fragile amid mutual accusations of violations.
Hostage Release and Ceasefire Terms
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Palestinian militants committed to releasing all remaining living and deceased hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attack. To date, all but the body of one Israeli police officer have been returned. The initial phase of the agreement involved Israeli troops withdrawing to positions behind the “Yellow Line” in Gaza, while still maintaining control over more than half of the territory. According to Israel’s army chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, this demarcation line represents a “new border line.”
Disarming Hamas: The Next Hurdle
The impending second stage of the truce plan centers on the complex task of disarming Hamas, facilitating a further withdrawal of Israeli forces as a transitional authority is established, and deploying an international stabilization force. “We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult,” Netanyahu stated following a meeting with German chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem. He further emphasized the challenge,stating,”We have a second phase,no less daunting,and that is to achieve the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza.”
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional support
Qatar and Egypt, instrumental in brokering the initial truce, have urged the swift implementation of the next steps, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces. hamas, on the same day, signaled its willingness to relinquish its weapons in Gaza to a Palestinian authority, contingent upon the complete end of the israeli military occupation.
Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with President Trump, scheduled for later in December, will focus on “opportunities for peace” in the region. The meeting, initiated by a phone call from Trump on Monday, is expected to take place in Washington.
Germany’s Role and concerns
Prior to his visit to Israel, German Chancellor Merz advocated for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza during a stop in Jordan.He was joined in Jordan by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and U.S. ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, who also discussed humanitarian aid for the territory. Waltz is scheduled to continue to Israel after Jordan.
Germany has reaffirmed its support for Israel, despite repeated criticism from Chancellor Merz regarding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run territory. Merz, speaking at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, underscored Germany’s commitment to Israel’s existence and security, acknowledging his country’s “enduring ancient responsibility” for the Holocaust.
He also stated that criticism of Israeli policies is “possible and sometimes perhaps even necessary,” but cautioned against allowing such criticism to be used as a pretext for antisemitism. Merz further reiterated German support for a two-state solution.
ICC Warrant and Potential Travel Restrictions
Germany previously restricted arms sales for use in Gaza in August but lifted those restrictions following the ceasefire agreement. Despite the truce,over 360 palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza,according to local health authorities.
Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Gaza. He indicated he would not travel to Germany due to the ICC warrant, despite chancellor Merz’s assurance that he would not be arrested. “I am not going there as of an ICC decision,” Netanyahu stated.
Published – December 08, 2025 01:00 am IST
