First Stage of Gaza Strip Ceasefire Framework Almost Complete, Says Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the opening stage of the internationally-supported Gaza truce framework is nearing finalization, stating that the next stage must require the demilitarization of Hamas.
Upcoming Discussions in Washington
The Israeli premier stated he would discuss the future steps in late November in Washington with Donald Trump, whose Gaza plans were codified in a UN security council resolution on 17 November.
“We are nearing finish the first stage,” Netanyahu stated. “But we have to ensure that we secure the same results in the next phase, and that’s something I anticipate addressing with President Trump.”
German Chancellor Meets with Netanyahu
The prime minister was talking at a shared news conference with the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who said: “The second phase must begin now and then stage three must also be considered.”
Merz is the first head of state of a leading European state to confer with Netanyahu in Israel since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and his ex- defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November last year for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
After securing victory in federal elections in February, Merz had stated he would invite Netanyahu to Germany regardless of the ICC warrants, but clarified on Sunday a visit was not presently being considered. Netanyahu disregards the warrants as “fabricated charges” from a “corrupt prosecuting office”.
Terms of the Ongoing Truce
During the first phase of the existing ceasefire agreement, Hamas freed the last 20 living Israeli captives in return for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and it has handed over all but one of 28 remains of hostages who died during the war. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have withdrawn to a ceasefire line, leaving them in occupation of 58% of the Gaza Strip.
Following the ceasefire was announced on 10 October, Israeli forces have been responsible for the deaths of over 360 Palestinians, including an approximate 70 children. Three Israeli soldiers have been killed in Hamas attacks over the same timeframe.
Next Steps and Unclear Sequencing
Neither Trump’s proposals, nor UN security council resolution 2803 which largely supported them, set out a timetable extending the ceasefire into a lasting peace. Hamas is required to disarm, Israeli troops are meant to pull back further, and an international stabilisation force (ISF) is to be established under the control of a “board of peace” of world leaders chaired by Trump, overseeing a technocratic Palestinian council to run daily governance of Gaza.
The sequencing of these measures is not clear in Trump’s plan or in resolution 2803. In his remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu focused on Hamas disarmament.
“I think it’s crucial to ensure that Hamas adheres not only with the ceasefire, but also with their pledge which they agreed to to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise,” he said.
Potential Options and Political Stances
Netanyahu brought up the prospects of “alternatives” to the ISF, without explaining what those might be. He would not dismiss Israeli sovereignty of the West Bank, labeling it as a topic of “negotiation”, and reiterated that Israel was firmly opposed the creation of a Palestinian state, the objective of the peace process supported by most European and Arab capitals as well as the overwhelming majority of UN member states.
International Criminal Court Warrants and Judicial Cases
Netanyahu claimed the reason he would not be able make a reciprocal visit to Germany was the ICC arrest warrants, which he characterized as invented by the court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, as a means of diverting attention from accusations of sexual harassment against him. Khan has denied any misconduct, but recused himself from his role in May awaiting the outcome of an investigation.
Netanyahu remarked Khan was “harming the reputation of the ICC” with “false allegations of starvation and acts of genocide” from a “corrupt official”.
A separate court, the international court of justice, is reviewing allegations that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. In September, a UN independent commission of inquiry concluded that Israel had carried out genocide.
Questioned about the possibility of Netanyahu visiting Germany, Merz told reporters on Sunday: “There is no reason to discuss this at the moment.”