Gaza Truce Enters Critical Phase: Disarmament of Hamas Looms as Next Challenge
Jerusalem/Washington – December 8, 2025 – The fragile truce between Israel and Hamas has entered a pivotal stage, with Israel signaling its imminent move towards a more complex second phase focused on the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza. This progress follows initial steps that saw Israeli troops reposition behind a demarcation line – dubbed the “Yellow line” – while maintaining control over more than half of the territory. the situation remains delicate, underscored by continued aid diplomacy and the looming shadow of potential legal challenges for Israeli leadership.
Speaking after a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem,Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated,”We very shortly expect to move into the second phase,which is more arduous.” This phase, as outlined by Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, aims to establish a transitional authority, deploy an international stabilization force, and ultimately achieve a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces contingent upon specific conditions being met. zamir characterized the “Yellow Line” as a “new border line,” a statement reflecting the evolving, yet tentative, security landscape.
The Core Challenge: Disarming Hamas
The central, and arguably moast challenging, aspect of the second phase is the disarmament of Hamas.Netanyahu emphasized the scale of this undertaking, stating, “We have a second phase, no less daunting, and that is to achieve the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza.” This ambition is intricate by Hamas’s own stated conditions for surrendering its weaponry: a complete end to the Israeli occupation.
“The success of this phase hinges on a delicate balance of security guarantees for Israel and a viable political future for Palestinians,” explains Dr. Sarah Klein, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Middle East studies. “Disarming a non-state actor like Hamas requires not just military pressure,but also addressing the underlying grievances that fuel its existence.”
International diplomacy intensifies
The push for the next phase of the truce is being driven by intense international diplomacy. qatar and Egypt, key mediators in securing the initial ceasefire, have urged the swift withdrawal of Israeli troops. Simultaneously, a flurry of high-level visits to the region underscores the international community’s commitment to stabilizing Gaza.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz recently concluded discussions in Jordan focused on bolstering humanitarian aid to Gaza, with Waltz scheduled to continue to Israel. This aid is critically needed, as over 360 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza as the truce began, according to local health authorities.
Germany Reaffirms Support,Navigates a Complex Relationship
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Israel,including a poignant stop at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial,highlighted Germany’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. merz reaffirmed Berlin’s “enduring historical duty” for the Holocaust and pledged continued support for Israel’s existence.
However,Merz also offered a nuanced perspective,acknowledging the need for critical dialog. “The relationship between Germany and Israel can withstand that. But criticism of the policies of the Israeli government must not be misused as a pretext for antisemitism,” he stated. Germany had previously restricted arms sales to Gaza but has since lifted those restrictions following the ceasefire. Merz also reiterated germany’s support for a two-state solution, a long-held position within German foreign policy.
Looking Ahead: A Meeting with Trump and the ICC Warrant
Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington later this December, at Trump’s invitation, to discuss “opportunities for peace” in the region. This meeting signals a potential shift in U.S. engagement and could offer new avenues for negotiation.
Though, a significant obstacle looms: an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal court (ICC) alleging war crimes committed in Gaza. netanyahu has explicitly stated he will not travel to countries where he risks arrest, and confirmed he will not be visiting germany due to this concern. Despite the ICC warrant, Merz had previously vowed to invite Netanyahu and assured him he would not be arrested.
Analysis: A Fragile Path Forward
The current situation in Gaza represents a fragile turning point. While the initial truce offered a respite from intense conflict, the path towards lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. The disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of a stable transitional authority, and the provision of adequate humanitarian aid are all critical components of a triumphant outcome.
The international community’s continued engagement, coupled with a commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict, will be essential.The upcoming
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