New political talks, hostage negotiations, and security plans shape the next stage of the Israel Hamas ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas are “very shortly expected to move into the second phase of the Israel Hamas ceasefire, a step he described as difficult but necessary for long-term stability. The announcement came during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as pressure builds to finalize the remaining commitments from phase one.
Netanyahu said phase two could begin as early as the end of the month, pending the return of the remains of Ran Gvili — the last Israeli hostage still held in Gaza. Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer, was killed in the October 7, 2023 attack, and his body was taken into Gaza. Israeli officials say this final transfer is essential for moving forward.
The upcoming phase aims to tackle some of the most sensitive issues in the conflict. Under the US-led plan, phase two includes disarming Hamas, withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza, and deploying an international force to help secure the territory. It also calls for forming a temporary Palestinian government overseen by an international board led by US President Donald Trump.
A senior Hamas official told The Associated Press the group is ready to discuss “freezing or laying down” weapons, signaling a rare willingness to confront one of the most difficult elements of any long-term agreement.
Netanyahu cautioned that transitioning to the next stage will be challenging. “Few believed the first phase could be achieved,” he said. “The second phase is just as difficult.” He added that a third phase — the long-term effort to deradicalize Gaza — will be even more complex but not impossible.
Israel has agreed to return 15 Palestinian bodies once Gvili’s remains are handed over, completing phase one of Trump’s 20-point ceasefire framework. However, Hamas says some remains are still trapped under rubble from Israel’s two-year offensive, while Israel accuses the group of delaying and has threatened to resume operations if the exchange is not completed.
Families of hostages insist no progress should be made until Gvili’s remains are returned. “We cannot advance to the next phase before Ran Gvili returns home,” the hostages’ families said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military leadership appears to be laying the groundwork for long-term security control. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir referred to the so-called Yellow Line inside Gaza as a “new border,” indicating Israel intends to maintain a defensive buffer zone even after troop withdrawals.
Germany reaffirmed its support for Israel during Merz’s visit. The chancellor said Germany is contributing officers and diplomats to the US-led coordination center in southern Israel and continues to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also reiterated that Germany backs a two-state solution but believes recognition of a Palestinian state must come at the end of negotiations, not before.
The war’s human toll remains staggering. Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israeli forces have killed more than 70,360 Palestinians since 2023, nearly half of them women and children. Israel says Hamas’ initial attack killed about 1,200 people and led to more than 250 hostages being taken, most of whom have since been returned through ceasefires and negotiated exchanges.
Violence also continues despite the ceasefire. Israel says it killed a militant who crossed the Yellow Line, and Gaza’s Health Ministry reports six more bodies were brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours. The ministry also says over 370 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began.
As diplomacy intensifies and negotiations narrow, global leaders are watching closely to see whether the Israel Hamas ceasefire can move into a stable second phase or risk slipping back into conflict.
Conclusion
The coming weeks will determine whether this fragile moment leads toward peace or renewed escalation. Stay informed, follow for updates, and share your thoughts to support deeper understanding of this evolving ceasefire.