Overview
- Netanyahu said Israel and Hamas could enter the ceasefire’s second phase "very shortly," possibly by the end of the month, and he plans to meet President Trump later in December to discuss next steps, with U.S. officials reportedly targeting an announcement before Christmas.
- Phase one has seen 20 living hostages and 27 bodies returned, with only the remains of Ran Gvili still in Gaza, a condition Israel says must be met before advancing.
- The next stage envisions Hamas disarmament, an interim Palestinian administration overseen by an international board led by President Trump, and the deployment of an international stabilization force.
- At the Doha Forum, Qatar’s prime minister described the situation as a fragile pause and called for full Israeli withdrawal, as Egypt and Norway urged rapid deployment of the stabilization force.
- Key disputes persist over the force’s composition and mandate, with Turkey seeking to contribute troops that Israel rejects, while reported truce violations and unmet aid targets continue, with Gaza authorities citing more than 350 Palestinians killed since October 10.