gaza Ceasefire Advances as Netanyahu Signals Hardline Stance on Future
The frist phase of the current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion, with Hamas releasing the final 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees held by Israel. hamas has also handed over all but one of the 28 bodies of hostages confirmed killed during the conflict. Concurrently, Israeli forces have withdrawn to a ceasefire line, maintaining control over 58% of the Gaza Strip.
Despite the progress, tensions remain high.Israeli forces have killed over 360 Palestinians,including an estimated 70 children,sence the ceasefire began on November 10th. Three Israeli soldiers have been killed in Hamas attacks during the same period.
The ceasefire’s future remains uncertain. While UN Security Council Resolution 2803 largely endorsed proposals for a lasting peace,neither the resolution nor the proposals outline a clear timetable for progression. The plan envisions Hamas disarmament, further Israeli troop withdrawal, and the establishment of an international stabilization force (ISF) overseen by a “board of peace” chaired by former U.S. President Donald Trump. A technocratic Palestinian committee would handle the day-to-day governance of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of Hamas disarmament as a key condition for moving forward. He also raised the possibility of “alternatives” to the proposed ISF, without providing specifics. Netanyahu further indicated he would not rule out Israeli annexation of the West Bank, calling it a matter for “discussion,” and reiterated Israel’s opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state – a goal supported by many international actors.
Netanyahu’s planned visit to Germany has been thrown into doubt due to arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. While previously stating he would invite Netanyahu despite the warrants, German parliamentary leader Friedrich Merz now says a visit is “not currently under consideration.” Netanyahu has dismissed the ICC warrants as “trumped-up charges” from a “corrupt prosecutor,” Karim Khan, who is currently stepping aside pending an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment – allegations Khan denies.
Adding to the legal complexities, the International Court of Justice is currently evaluating charges of genocide against Israel, following a UN self-reliant commission of inquiry in September that concluded Israel had committed genocide.
