Netanyahu expects to move to Gaza truce second phase soon |
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday he expected the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire plan for Gaza to begin soon, and said he would meet President Donald Trump this month.
The truce, in effect since October 10, has halted the war that began after Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
But it remains delicate as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violations.
Under the terms of the ceasefire that entered into force on October 10, Palestinian militants committed to releasing the remaining 47 living and dead captives seized on their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
All of the hostages have so far been released except for the body of an Israeli police officer.
Speaking after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said: "We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult."
The plan's initial steps saw Israeli troops withdraw to positions behind a so-called "Yellow Line" in Gaza, though still in control of more than half the territory.
Israel's army chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said the demarcation line is a "new border line", the military........