Israel is approaching the next stage of a U.S.-mediated peace plan to end the Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, though key challenges remain unresolved.
The plan, initiated under U.S. President Donald Trump, involves Israel withdrawing its forces further from Gaza, establishing a transitional authority, and deploying an international security force. A crucial element is Hamas’s disarmament, followed by reconstruction efforts.
While uncertainty surrounds Hamas’s willingness to disarm, officials indicate the group may consider “freezing or storing” its weapons, showing some openness to compromise.
International mediators continue pressing both sides to move forward. Meanwhile, the International Red Cross and Hamas forces have resumed searching for Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage believed killed in Gaza in October 2023. Netanyahu vowed, “We’ll get him out.”
Two months after the ceasefire, violations persist from both Israel and Hamas. Israeli troops still control over half of Gaza, while Hamas dominates the rest. Netanyahu is set to meet President Trump on December 29 to discuss advancing the peace deal.
After discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu reiterated the need to end Hamas’s rule and for the group to commit to disarmament. He also expressed doubt about whether an international force can fully disarm Hamas, saying, “It can be done the easy way, it can be done the hard way. But eventually it will be done.”
Hamas official Bassem Naim told the Associated Press his group is open to talks on “freezing or storing” weapons to prevent further escalation but insisted on previous demands for an independent Palestinian state. He criticised Israel for failing to ease restrictions and open the Rafah crossing fully.
The ceasefire halted a devastating Israeli military offensive sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attacks and hostage-taking.
The initial phase of the peace plan included the exchange of hostages and prisoner releases, but disputes remain over the return of deceased captives. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 370 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire, while Israel attributes its strikes to Palestinian violations.
The conflict continues with recent Israeli casualties and militants still entrenched in Gaza’s tunnel networks. President Trump last week stated the second phase would soon proceed.