Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced that the first phase of the UN-backed Gaza ceasefire plan is nearly complete. He emphasized that the next phase must focus on disarming Hamas. During a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu shared his intention to discuss the upcoming steps in Washington with Donald Trump.
“We’re close to finishing stage one,” Netanyahu said. “We need to ensure the same success in stage two, which I look forward to discussing with President Trump.” Merz also stressed the importance of moving forward with the second phase, hinting that further plans should not be ignored.
Merz’s visit is notable, as he is the first major European leader to meet Netanyahu since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, related to war crimes in Gaza. Despite these charges, Merz had previously expressed his desire to invite Netanyahu to Germany, although that visit is not currently planned.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released the last 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Israeli forces have pulled back to a ceasefire line while maintaining control of 58% of Gaza. Since the ceasefire began on October 10, over 360 Palestinians have reportedly died, including around 70 children. On the Israeli side, three soldiers have been killed in skirmishes with Hamas.
Interestingly, neither Trump’s proposals nor UN Security Council Resolution 2803 established a concrete timeline for a lasting peace. The proposals call for Hamas to disarm, further withdrawals of Israeli troops, and the formation of an international stabilization force led by a “board of peace,” chaired by Trump, to manage Gaza.
Netanyahu reiterated the importance of ensuring that Hamas adheres to its commitment to disarm. He mentioned exploring alternatives to the proposed international force but did not clarify what these alternatives would entail. Moreover, he hinted at the possibility of annexing the West Bank and reaffirmed Israel’s resistance to the creation of a Palestinian state—views that sharply contrast with the broader international consensus, including most European and Arab countries.
On the subject of the ICC warrants, Netanyahu claimed they were politically motivated, suggesting they were distractions from serious allegations against the ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan. This controversy adds another layer to an already complex situation, especially as the International Court of Justice is currently examining allegations of genocide related to Israeli actions in Gaza.
Chancellor Merz addressed questions about a potential visit by Netanyahu to Germany, stating that “there is no reason to discuss this at the moment,” highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding this political landscape.
As these discussions unfold, the situation remains fluid. The paths to peace and security in the region will require careful navigation of complex international relations and local realities.
For more information on international human rights issues, you can visit the UN Human Rights Office.
