Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in late December 2025 to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire initiative. This development comes as regional tensions persist despite a U.S.-brokered truce initially implemented in October 2023 following a Hamas attack on Israel two years prior.
Roadmap Challenges Ahead
Netanyahu acknowledged the complexity of the upcoming negotiations during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem. "Phase two requires addressing Hamas disarmament and establishing lasting security mechanisms," he stated, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.
Divergent Positions Emerge
Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya reiterated the group's conditional stance on disarmament during a recent Al Jazeera interview: "Our weapons exist because of occupation. Remove it, and we'll transfer authority to the state." This contrasts sharply with Israel's insistence on complete militant disarmament as a prerequisite for further negotiations.
Human Cost Continues
Local health authorities report over 360 Palestinian fatalities since the 2023 truce began, with total casualties now exceeding 70,360. Three Israeli soldiers have also been killed during this period, underscoring the fragile nature of current arrangements.
