TEL AVIV, Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel and Hamas are poised to move into the second phase of their ceasefire “very shortly,” following the return of the last hostage’s remains from Gaza.
Netanyahu, speaking at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasized that the transition could begin by the end of the month. The next stage involves Hamas’s disarmament, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the deployment of an international security force.
Hamas has not yet handed over the remains of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer killed in the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war. His body was taken to Gaza during the assault.
The agreement’s second phase also outlines the formation of an interim Palestinian administration to oversee civilian affairs, under the supervision of an international board led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
By James Kisoo
