Netanyahu: The Next Phase is Disarming Hamas, Not Reconstruction

SadaNews - After the Israeli army announced the recovery of all bodies and prisoners, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed today, Monday, that the next phase is disarming Hamas, not reconstruction.

He also stated in a speech, "It is in our interest to accelerate the transition to the second phase in Gaza."

Earlier today, Netanyahu said, "We have returned everyone as we promised, including the last hostage," adding, "This is a tremendous achievement for the Israeli army and for the State of Israel, as well as for its citizens."

The Israeli army confirmed today, Monday, that it has identified the last remaining body in Gaza belonging to soldier Ran Gvi'li, announcing the recovery of all bodies and prisoners from the Palestinian territory.

In contrast, Hamas announced that the exchange process is now completely closed, and affirmed its commitment to facilitate the work of the Gaza management committee and ensure its success.

The Second Phase

The return of the remaining hostage is widely viewed as the removal of the last obstacle to proceeding with the opening of the Rafah crossing, which will signal the start of the second phase of the ceasefire.

The United States has pressured Israel to begin implementing the second phase of Trump’s plan even amid the search for the body of Ran Gvi'li.

In addition to disarming Hamas, the second phase includes launching a reconstruction process in Gaza starting from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and deploying an international stabilization force in the areas from which the Israeli army is gradually withdrawing.