Netanyahu to meet Trump on Gaza plan

Netanyahu to meet Trump on Gaza plan
Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will meet US President Donald Trump later this month, saying discussions will focus on the second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, regional peace prospects and the future governance of the enclave.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said the first phase of the plan was almost completed, noting that the return of the final hostage’s body would mark its conclusion. He stressed that the upcoming phase would be more challenging.

Chancellor Merz reiterated Germany’s continued diplomatic support for peace efforts and underlined that Hamas could not be allowed to return to power in Gaza. He also stated that Berlin does not support any moves by Israel towards annexation in the West Bank.

The next stage of talks brokered under Trump’s plan is expected to include the establishment of an interim technocratic administration in Gaza, backed by an international security presence and aimed at stabilising the territory.

Although violence has eased since the ceasefire came into force, sporadic incidents continue. Under the exchange agreement, Hamas returned 20 living hostages and the bodies of 27 others in return for the release of around 2,000 Palestinian detainees. One hostage’s body remains in Gaza.

Responding to a question at the end of the briefing, Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of stepping away from political life if granted a pardon, replying simply: “No.”

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