Netanyahu expects Gaza truce to move to second phase ‘shortly’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the second phase of a US plan to end the war in Gaza was close, but that several key issues still needed to be resolved, including whether a multinational security force would be deployed.

Speaking to reporters alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that he would hold important discussions with US President Donald Trump at the end of the month on how to ensure the plan's second phase was achieved.

"We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult," he said.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in place since 10 October, has reduced fighting, but Israel has continued to bomb the besieged enclave. Some 600 ceasefire violations have been reported, in which more than 373 people were killed and around 900 wounded.

Netanyahu said that it was important to ensure that Hamas not only upholds the ceasefire but also follows through on "their commitment" to the plan, which includes disarmament and the demilitarisation of Gaza.

Read more: Netanyahu expects Gaza truce to move to second phase ‘shortly’