Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel and Hamas are anticipated to enter the “second phase of the ceasefire” shortly, following the return of the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza. This declaration came during a press conference alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where Netanyahu emphasized that the next phase—which aims to address the disarming of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza—could commence as early as the end of the month.
The remains of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer who perished in the October 7, 2023, attack orchestrated by Hamas, are still yet to be returned to his family. Gvili’s body is currently in Gaza, and his return is crucial for the progress of the ceasefire.
The second phase of the ceasefire also involves plans to deploy an international force for security in Gaza and the establishment of a temporary Palestinian government to manage day-to-day operations, with oversight from an international board led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Additionally, a senior Hamas official expressed readiness to discuss potential measures for “freezing, storing, or laying down” its weapons as part of the ceasefire—indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue on one of the most challenging aspects of the ongoing conflict.
This development presents a hopeful opportunity for a more permanent resolution to the hostilities and underscores potential paths toward progress in the region.