Post by : Sameer Farouq

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is on the brink of progressing to the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire plan. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he indicated that while the next phase will be challenging, Israel is well-prepared to advance. Netanyahu is also slated to meet with President Donald Trump later this month to explore “peace opportunities” stemming from the past two years of pressure on Iran and its affiliates.

Trump's proposed plan includes establishing an International Stabilization Force comprising troops from Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia and Azerbaijan. This force would collaborate with Egypt and Israel to maintain order as Israeli Defense Forces withdraw from Gaza. Additionally, the plan suggests creating a transitional governing body referred to as the “Board of Peace.” Netanyahu mentioned that the completion of the first phase hinges on the return of the last Israeli hostage, while the second phase stipulates disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, followed by a third phase aimed at “de-radicalizing” the area.

During discussions with Trump, Netanyahu plans to assess the disarmament timeline and the potential need for international forces to enter Gaza. They will consider which nations could contribute to such an effort, or explore alternative options if not. Netanyahu stressed that all commitments from the second phase must be fulfilled prior to advancing. Chancellor Merz concurred that Hamas’ presence in Gaza is untenable, though he reiterated that the long-term solution remains the establishment of a Palestinian state, which Germany has yet to recognize, citing the absence of necessary conditions.

Netanyahu expressed Israel's willingness to forge peace with Arab neighbors and seeks a viable resolution with Palestinians, underlining that Israel will not endorse a state that jeopardizes its security. Merz acknowledged that while some of Israel’s neighboring countries aspire for peaceful relations, others do not, and insisted on the necessity for Palestinians to make clear decisions about their future. Netanyahu affirmed that Israel aims to pursue broader regional peace and maintain its long-term safety.

As for the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani noted that Israeli operations are contributing to regional uncertainty. He also highlighted the unresolved tensions between Iran and the United States. Qatar, alongside Egypt, continues to mediate the ceasefire discussions. The evolving situation in Gaza remains under close scrutiny as the region anticipates developments in the ceasefire plan and Israel braces for potential political and security shifts. As international interests grow, the upcoming weeks are poised to influence the stability of the ceasefire and the prospects for a sustainable resolution in Gaza.

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