Israel PM says Gaza peace plan’s second phase is near

Netanyahu says the second phase of the US‑brokered plan to end the Gaza war is close, but key issues still need resolution.

Under President Donald Trump’s proposal, Israel would pull back troops further, a transitional authority would be installed and an international security force deployed while Hamas is expected to disarm and reconstruction begins.

A senior Israeli official told reporters that Hamas may be willing to \”freeze or store\” its remaining weapons, a suggestion echoed by Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim, who told the Associated Press the group is open to a comprehensive approach to avoid further clashes.

Netanyahu announced that he will meet President Trump on 29 December to discuss how to secure the next stage. He reiterated that Hamas must honour its commitment to hand over arms and that Gaza must be demilitarised.

Addressing Israeli ambassadors, Netanyahu expressed scepticism about the ability of a multinational force to disarm Hamas, asking, \”Are there volunteers here? Please, on the contrary.\” He added that Israel will ensure disarmament \”the easy way or the hard way, but eventually it will be done.\”

In Gaza, Red Cross teams and members of Hamas’s armed wing resumed the search for the body of Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage killed on 7 October 2023. Netanyahu pledged, \”We’ll get him out.\”

Both sides continue to blame each other for daily violations of the cease‑fire. Israeli forces still control more than half of the Strip, while Hamas has re‑established its presence in the remaining areas.

Humanitarian agencies report a surge in aid deliveries, yet Israeli restrictions and security concerns still hamper operations. Hamas accuses Israel of failing to flood Gaza with aid and of keeping the Rafah crossing closed for inbound humanitarian traffic.

For Ghanaians, the development matters because many live in the diaspora and watch closely how the conflict affects global oil prices, UN peacekeeping mandates and regional stability, issues that Ghana monitors through its permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

The next steps hinge on whether Hamas will agree to weapon storage and whether an international force can be assembled. Both Netanyahu and Trump have signalled optimism, but the \”critical moment\” highlighted by Qatar’s prime minister underscores the fragility of the process.

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