Hey everyone! 🤝 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just announced he’ll be flying to the U.S. at the end of December to meet President Trump and map out Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire plan.
Netanyahu shared this update alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stressed Phase 2 “must come now” and reiterated Germany’s support for a two-state solution.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Phase 1 Highlights: Started on October 10, this U.S.-brokered truce saw Palestinian militants release 47 Israeli hostages (plus the body of one fallen officer). Both sides have accused each other of violations, but a fragile calm has held so far.
- What’s Phase 2? The U.S. proposal outlines:
- 🤝 Enforcing Hamas disarmament
- 🔙 Further withdrawal of Israeli forces
- 🌐 Deployment of an international stabilization force
- Different Takes: Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya told Al Jazeera the group will hand over weapons “if the Israeli occupation ends.” Israel insists disarmament is a must before moving forward.
Since the truce kicked in, over 360 Palestinians have been killed, taking the total to about 70,360, according to local health authorities. Three Israeli soldiers also lost their lives during this period.
The world is watching as these high-stakes talks approach. Will Phase 2 deliver the lasting calm everyone’s hoping for? 🤞 Stay tuned for updates!
Reference(s):
Israeli PM to meet Trump over 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire plan
cgtn.com
