Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the next critical stage of the ceasefire with Hamas is imminent, contingent on the militant group returning the remains of the last known Israeli hostage held in Gaza.
Ceasefire Progress Hinges on Final Hostage Return
Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu indicated that the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire could commence "very shortly." This next stage is outlined in a 20-point plan and addresses two of the most contentious issues: the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.
The immediate obstacle is the return of the remains of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. His body was taken to Gaza. In exchange, Israel is prepared to return the bodies of 15 Palestinians. A group representing hostage families emphasized that advancing to the next phase is conditional on Gvili's repatriation.
Hamas officials have claimed difficulty in retrieving all remains due to them being buried under rubble from Israel's two-year military offensive. Israel has accused the group of stalling and threatened to resume operations or withhold aid if the remains are not returned.
Details of the Proposed Second Phase
The second phase of the ceasefire, which Netanyahu suggested could begin by the end of December 2025, includes several complex components. According to the plan, it involves deploying an international security force to Gaza and establishing a temporary Palestinian government to administer daily affairs. This interim government would operate under the supervision of an international board led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
A senior Hamas official told The Associated Press on Sunday that the group is open to discussing "freezing or storing or laying down" its weapons as part of the deal, signaling a potential pathway on the disarmament issue.
Netanyahu acknowledged the challenge ahead, comparing it to the initially doubted first phase. He also outlined a third phase aimed at "deradicalizing" Gaza, citing historical examples in Germany, Japan, and the Gulf States as proof of concept, but stressed that dismantling Hamas is a prerequisite.
Military Reality and International Stance
On the ground, Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir referred to the "Yellow Line" dividing Israeli-controlled Gaza as a "new border." He stated the military would maintain operational control and defense lines in extensive parts of the territory.
German Chancellor Merz reaffirmed his country's support for Israel, announcing practical assistance for the ceasefire's second phase. Germany is sending officers and diplomats to a U.S.-led coordination center in southern Israel and continuing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Merz reiterated Germany's position that a two-state solution remains the goal, but recognition of a Palestinian state must come at the end of a process, not the beginning.
Netanyahu also addressed his travel concerns, citing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against him last year as a reason for not planning diplomatic trips, including to Germany.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions persist. The Israeli military reported killing a militant who approached troops across the Yellow Line. Gaza's Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas government and is considered reliable by the UN, states that Israeli forces have killed over 370 Palestinians since the ceasefire began. The ministry reports at least 70,360 Palestinian deaths since the war started, nearly half being women and children.
The conflict began with the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw over 250 taken hostage. Nearly all hostages or their remains have since been returned through various deals.
