Gaza Conflict: Netanyahu Says War Will End After Second Phase of Truce

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the war in Gaza will only end after the completion of the second phase of the truce, which involves the disarming of Hamas. The first phase of the truce has seen the handover of 12 bodies of hostages, including 10 by Hamas and 2 by the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu stated that the second phase, which includes the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, is a crucial step towards ending the war. The war has been ongoing for two years, with the latest round of violence beginning in August 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• The war in Gaza will only end after the completion of the second phase of the truce, according to Netanyahu.
• The second phase involves the disarming of Hamas, or more precisely, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas has handed over the remains of 12 hostages, including 10 through its own efforts and 2 in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority.
• Netanyahu's office said the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will depend on how Hamas fulfils its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 dead hostages.
• Netanyahu has said that the handover of bodies, along with aid deliveries and the future of Gaza, is a key part of the ceasefire process.
• US President Donald Trump has warned that he would support a resumption of Israel's military action if Hamas does not return the remains of all dead hostages.
• Hamas has accused Israel of continuing attacks and violating the ceasefire, claiming that 38 Palestinians have been killed since it began.
• The war has been ongoing for two years, with the latest round of violence beginning in August 2023.

Statistics:

• 28: The number of dead hostages whose remains Hamas has been accused of holding.
• 13: The number of hostage bodies handed over by Hamas, including 11 since the ceasefire began.
• 38: The number of Palestinians killed according to Hamas, who claim that Israel has continued attacks and violated the ceasefire.
• 2 years: The length of time the war in Gaza has been ongoing.
• August 2023: The month and year in which the latest round of violence in the Gaza war began.

Sources:

• Netanyahu's office, which released a statement about the second phase of the truce.
• Channel 14, where Netanyahu made the comments about the disarming of Hamas.
• Palestinian embassy in Egypt, which had announced that the Rafah border crossing would reopen on Monday.
• Times of Israel, where the story was initially reported.