Israels Netanyahu calls for demilitarizing Gaza in proposed new ceasefire plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the next stage of the current ceasefire agreement will focus on disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.

According to Netanyahu, this phase is distinct from any potential reconstruction efforts. The Israeli leader’s statement comes after the release of the last Israeli captive held in Gaza.

Netanyahu stated that the primary objective of the next phase is to disarm Hamas and reduce the military capabilities within the Gaza Strip. This move aims to create a more stable environment in the region.

Details on the specifics of this phase are not yet available, but Netanyahu’s comments suggest that it will involve measures aimed at reducing Hamas’ ability to launch attacks against Israel.

The ceasefire agreement, which has been in place since August 2022, has helped to reduce violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s statement indicates that the focus is shifting towards long-term security concerns rather than immediate reconstruction efforts.

Netanyahu’s comments have sparked interest among observers, who are awaiting further clarification on the specifics of this phase. The Israeli government has not released a detailed plan for this phase, but officials have hinted at the need to address Hamas’ military capabilities in order to achieve lasting peace.

Source: Al Jazeera