Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of December in Washington, the PM’s office announced on Sunday. Their talks will focus on the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire plan, which has faced setbacks since its October 10 launch.
The first phase of the U.S.-brokered truce took effect this year after a Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. During that period, Hamas militants released 47 Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, leaving one officer’s body still in Gaza. However, both sides have accused each other of violations, and more than 360 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed under the ceasefire, according to Gaza health authorities.
“We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult,” Netanyahu said alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem. He emphasized that upcoming discussions with President Trump will explore new “opportunities for peace” in the region.
Chancellor Merz stressed that phase two “must come now” and reaffirmed Germany’s support for a two-state solution. Under the U.S. proposal, the next phase will tackle tougher issues: disarming Hamas, withdrawing Israeli forces, and deploying an international stabilization force.
Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya told Al Jazeera that the group is prepared to hand over its weapons “if the Israeli occupation ends,” adding that any arms would be placed under state authority. However, he cautioned that talks remain in the early stages and that disarmament has been a long-standing red line for Hamas.
As Netanyahu and Trump prepare to meet, observers say this round of diplomacy will test international support for enforcing a lasting calm in Gaza—one that balances security, sovereignty and stabilization on a fragile path to peace.
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Israeli PM to meet Trump over 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire plan
cgtn.com
