Israeli PM Hopes The Second Stage Of Ceasefire In Gaza Will Soon Be Realized

PM Netanyahu. (GPO/Kobi Gideon source)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he expects a second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire plan in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, to begin soon, revealing plans for a meeting with President Donald Trump this week.

The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan includes the depletion of Hamas weapons, the formation of transitional authorities, and the deployment of international stabilization troops.

Speaking after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said:

"We hope to soon enter a second, more difficult phase," he said after holding talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as reported by Al Arabiya and AFP (8/12).

The first phase of the ceasefire, which has been in effect since October 10, has stopped the war that began after Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Under the terms of a ceasefire that came into effect on October 10, Palestinian militants committed to freeing the remaining 47 alive and dead prisoners who were seized in their attacks on October 7, 2023 against Israel.

All hostages have so far been released except the body of an Israeli police officer.

PM Netanyahu also said he would meet President Trump at the end of December to discuss "the opportunity for peace" in the region.

The meeting is expected to take place in Washington. after the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said President Trump invited Netanyahu to the White House by phone call on Monday.

As of yesterday, about 373 Gazans have been killed and 970 others injured since the ceasefire took effect, while the total death toll from Palestine since October 2023 has reached 70,360, while injuries have reached 171,047, quoted from WAFA.