Netanyahu to Meet Trump on Gaza Plan’s Next Phase

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he will meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump later this month to discuss the imminent second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan. This meeting aims to explore potential pathways to peace and the possibility of ending the rule of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, in the enclave. The announcement came during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Negotiations regarding the next steps of Trump’s initiative to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza have been underway. The plan reportedly includes the release of Israeli hostages and the formation of an interim technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza. This government would be supported by an international “board of peace” and an accompanying international security force.

“I will be having very important conversations at the end of the month on how to ensure the second phase will be achieved,” Netanyahu stated. He also indicated that the first phase of Trump’s plan is nearing completion. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2023, violence in the region has decreased, although it has not entirely ceased.

Since the truce began, Hamas has returned all 20 living hostages and 27 deceased individuals in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners. Notably, the body of one hostage remains in Gaza, a situation that underscores the complexities of the ongoing negotiations.

The upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and Trump represents a significant moment in the broader context of Middle Eastern diplomacy. As both leaders prepare to discuss the future of Gaza, the international community remains watchful of developments that could reshape the region’s political landscape.