Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the first phase of a UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is nearing completion. According to Netanyahu, the focus should shift to disarmament of Hamas, which he described as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace.
Netanyahu's comments came during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the need for a swift second phase that would involve significant disarmament efforts by Hamas. Merz also expressed his country's desire to consider a third phase, although details were not discussed.
The ceasefire agreement, which was declared on October 10th, has seen a reduction in hostilities, with Israel withdrawing from most of Gaza and releasing the last 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. However, the truce remains fragile, with reports of ongoing violence resulting in the deaths of over 360 Palestinians, including an estimated 70 children.
Netanyahu's remarks also highlighted the lack of clarity surrounding a timeline for extending the ceasefire into a lasting peace. The US proposals and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 set out a framework for disarmament, troop withdrawal, and international stabilization, but left many details open to interpretation.
Critics argue that Netanyahu is using the ceasefire process as an opportunity to promote his own agenda, including annexing the West Bank and rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state. Merz's comments suggest a desire to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel despite ongoing controversy surrounding ICC arrest warrants issued against Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
Netanyahu dismissed the ICC charges as "trumped-up" and "fabricated," accusing the court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, of being involved in a personal vendetta. The issue of genocide allegations against Israel remains unresolved, with a UN independent commission of inquiry concluding that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
The visit of German Chancellor Merz to Israel was not currently under consideration due to the ICC warrants, according to Merz.
Netanyahu's comments came during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the need for a swift second phase that would involve significant disarmament efforts by Hamas. Merz also expressed his country's desire to consider a third phase, although details were not discussed.
The ceasefire agreement, which was declared on October 10th, has seen a reduction in hostilities, with Israel withdrawing from most of Gaza and releasing the last 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. However, the truce remains fragile, with reports of ongoing violence resulting in the deaths of over 360 Palestinians, including an estimated 70 children.
Netanyahu's remarks also highlighted the lack of clarity surrounding a timeline for extending the ceasefire into a lasting peace. The US proposals and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 set out a framework for disarmament, troop withdrawal, and international stabilization, but left many details open to interpretation.
Critics argue that Netanyahu is using the ceasefire process as an opportunity to promote his own agenda, including annexing the West Bank and rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state. Merz's comments suggest a desire to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel despite ongoing controversy surrounding ICC arrest warrants issued against Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
Netanyahu dismissed the ICC charges as "trumped-up" and "fabricated," accusing the court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, of being involved in a personal vendetta. The issue of genocide allegations against Israel remains unresolved, with a UN independent commission of inquiry concluding that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
The visit of German Chancellor Merz to Israel was not currently under consideration due to the ICC warrants, according to Merz.
. He's all about disarmament for Hamas, but what about the Israelis who are still gettin' killed every day? The ceasefire is supposed to be about lasting peace, but it feels like an excuse for him to play politics and ignore the real issues. And don't even get me started on Merz – he's basically enabling Netanyahu's agenda by not sayin' squat about the genocide allegations 
. It's all just a bunch of diplomats talkin' around the edges while the blood gets washed away.
. He's using this ceasefire as a way to push his own agenda, which is super suspicious. I mean, come on, annexing the West Bank and rejecting Palestine statehood? That's not exactly what I call "lasting peace". And don't even get me started on the ICC charges - trumped-up or fabricated? Really? 
The guy's got some serious nerve.
The situation in Gaza is so intense and fragile 
. I think it's interesting how Netanyahu is focusing on disarmament of Hamas, but critics say he's using the ceasefire as a chance to push his own agenda 
. What do you guys think about the lack of clarity on extending the ceasefire? Should the world be more involved in helping them reach a lasting peace 
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. "We need disarmament" sounds great, but when you ask him what that actually means, he's all like... 
. "We'll stick to our principles" sounds good, but let's be real, they're just as invested in the whole Middle East mess as everyone else 
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. And don't even get me started on the ICC charges - trumped-up, fabricated? Give me a break! 
I mean, I know he thinks he's above the law or something, but come on.
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It feels like we're stuck in some kind of limbo, where everyone's just waiting for the next shoe to drop.
360+ ppl dead incl 70 kids 
nway he wants to disarm hamas 1st b4 peace can be real rn 
. Netanyahu thinks it's all about him & his agenda 
. German Chancellor Merz is tryin to stay diplomatic tho 
even w/ icc arrest warrants 
on netanyahu & galant 
. It all comes down to when will the violence really stop? 
I mean, 360 Palestinians dead, including 70 kids... what even is that? 
. But at the same time, aren't they kinda enabling him by still welcoming him? 
but idk if its all just a ploy by Netanyahu to get what he wants tbh 
how can we expect lasting peace when ther lives r still bein lost daily? 
and what about those ICC charges against Netanyahu? i mean even if hes saying its all fabricated, the fact remains theres still a huge stain on israel's record