Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel and Hamas are “very close” to entering the second phase of the ceasefire, which will begin once Hamas returns the remains of the final hostage still held in Gaza.
Speaking at a press conference alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said the next phase — involving Hamas’ disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — could start by the end of the month.
Hamas has not yet handed over the body of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack. His remains were taken to Gaza.
The second phase also calls for deploying an international security force in Gaza and forming an interim Palestinian administration overseen by an international committee led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
A senior Hamas figure told The Associated Press the group is willing to discuss “freezing, storing, or laying down” its weapons as part of the ceasefire, signaling possible progress on one of the toughest issues.
Netanyahu: Next stages will be difficult
Netanyahu noted that many doubted the first phase could be completed, and he expects similar challenges ahead.
He added that a third phase — “deradicalizing Gaza” — is also essential, saying it has been achieved in places like Germany, Japan, and the Gulf States and could be done in Gaza as well, but only if Hamas is dismantled.
Returning Gvili’s remains — in exchange for Israel handing over 15 Palestinian bodies — would finalize the first stage of Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan.
Hamas says locating all remains is difficult due to destruction from Israel’s two-year offensive, while Israel accuses Hamas of delaying and has threatened to resume operations or restrict aid if the returns are not completed.
Hostage families reiterated that the next phase cannot begin without Gvili’s body being returned.
Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir described the Yellow Line — separating Israeli-held Gaza areas from the rest of the territory — as a “new border,” saying Israeli forces will remain along the line as a forward defensive position.
Germany reaffirms backing for Israel
Merz said Germany is helping implement the second phase by sending personnel to a U.S.-led coordination center in southern Israel and providing humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
He reaffirmed Germany’s support for a two-state solution but said Berlin maintains that Palestinian statehood can only be recognized at the end of negotiations.
Netanyahu said he has not scheduled a visit to Germany due to concerns about an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to the Gaza war. Merz said no visit is currently planned but may be considered in the future. He also said he is unaware of any impending EU sanctions on Israel or renewed German restrictions on arms exports.
Germany previously paused defense exports to Israel, but the suspension was lifted after the Oct. 10 ceasefire.
Israel kills militant near Yellow Line
Israel’s military reported killing a militant who approached its forces near the Yellow Line.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 370 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began, including six people whose bodies reached hospitals in the past day.
The Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack killed about 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages. Nearly all captives or their remains have since been released through ceasefire agreements or other deals.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed at least 70,360 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which does not separate civilians from combatants but reports that nearly half the victims were women and children. The ministry’s figures are considered credible by the U.N. and international organizations.