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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the second phase of the US-brokered Gaza peace plan is nearing implementation, though significant issues remain unresolved. This phase, part of US President Donald Trump's strategy, calls for Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, the establishment of a transitional authority, and the deployment of an international security force. Hamas is expected to disarm, paving the way for reconstruction efforts.

 

Disagreement persists regarding Hamas's disarmament, with a senior official suggesting the group might "freeze or store" its weapons instead. International mediators, including the US, are pressuring both sides to advance the plan. Meanwhile, searches in Gaza City for the last Israeli hostage from the 7 October 2023 attacks are ongoing, with Netanyahu issuing a firm statement of resolve.

 

Both parties report violations almost daily, two months into the ceasefire. Israeli forces still control over half of Gaza, with Hamas maintaining influence in the remaining areas. Netanyahu plans to discuss the next steps with Trump on December 29; he aims to enforce phase two despite scepticism over the feasibility of disarming Hamas with a multinational force.

 

During conversations with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other diplomats, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's determination to demilitarise Hamas. A top Hamas official voiced readiness to discuss managing its arsenal, demonstrating some flexibility regarding future negotiations.

 

Amidst these developments, Hamas alleges that Israel hasn't fulfilled all ceasefire terms, and criticises the blockade's ongoing impact. Though humanitarian aid has increased, restrictions and security concerns remain persistent. The reopening of the Rafah border crossing is another contested issue, with Israel, Egypt, and Palestinians at odds over entry conditions, reported the BBC.

 

The initial peace plan stage exchanged hostages between both sides, but accusations of delayed returns persist. Casualties since the ceasefire include over 370 Palestinians and several Israeli soldiers, highlighting the fragile state of peace. Trump, along with Qatari leaders, stressed the importance of progressing to the next phase soon, calling it a "critical moment."

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Israel and Hamas face ongoing challenges reaching the second phase of the peace plan.
• Netanyahu plans to meet Trump on 29 December to discuss progress.
• Hostage exchanges and border reopening remain contentious issues.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-09

 

 

 

 

...Duhh... 'Peace Plan' ... (?)

Unless Hamas agree to disarming, and can then prove that they have done so, there can be no peace.

5 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Unless Hamas agree to disarming, and can then prove that they have done so, there can be no peace.

As should Israel. Tits for tats. Seems like the IDF is killing more Palestinians every day.

<removed> The last thing he wants is a ceasefire.

12 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Unless Hamas agree to disarming, and can then prove that they have done so, there can be no peace.

Why? 

7 hours ago, JimCM said:

Why? 

Pretty obvious. An armed Hamas will be a permanent danger.

59 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Pretty obvious. An armed Hamas will be a permanent danger.

A danger to Israel taking away a blockade and giving Palestine a state of their own.

Do you think Gaza have a right to self defence and as right to exist?

8 hours ago, JimCM said:

Why? 

 

   Because they WILL attck Israel again 

4 minutes ago, JimCM said:

A danger to Israel taking away a blockade and giving Palestine a state of their own.

Do you think Gaza have a right to self defence and as right to exist?

The idea of a Palestinian state has no support in the Arab world where Palestinians are neither liked nor trusted, with good reason.

9 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The idea of a Palestinian state has no support in the Arab world where Palestinians are neither liked nor trusted, with good reason.

Oh yes, of course - the entire Arab world, all 22 countries, all 400+ million people, have magically agreed on one thing: that they all “don’t like or trust” Palestinians. Amazing. Truly groundbreaking geopolitical analysis. Why bother with historians, diplomats, or actual facts when you’ve solved the whole Middle East with a single sweeping stereotype?

It’s especially adorable considering:

• The Arab League has supported a Palestinian state for decades,

• The Arab Peace Initiative — unanimously endorsed — literally promises full recognition of Israel if a Palestinian state is created,

• Several Arab governments bankroll Palestinian infrastructure,

• And millions of Palestinians have lived in Arab countries because those countries took them in during displacement.

But sure - let’s just pretend none of that happened, and instead believe the region operates on your personal vibes.

If your argument requires erasing history, ignoring official policy, and claiming psychic knowledge of what hundreds of millions of people think… maybe the problem isn’t the Palestinians.

It’s the analysis

13 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The idea of a Palestinian state has no support in the Arab world where Palestinians are neither liked nor trusted, with good reason.

Wrong. All Arab League countries supported the stance for a Palestine state in recent concluded UN Vote. Isreal and the United States among the few opposed. Get the facts right next time. 

14 minutes ago, JimCM said:

Oh yes, of course - the entire Arab world, all 22 countries, all 400+ million people, have magically agreed on one thing: that they all “don’t like or trust” Palestinians. Amazing. Truly groundbreaking geopolitical analysis. Why bother with historians, diplomats, or actual facts when you’ve solved the whole Middle East with a single sweeping stereotype?

It’s especially adorable considering:

• The Arab League has supported a Palestinian state for decades,

• The Arab Peace Initiative — unanimously endorsed — literally promises full recognition of Israel if a Palestinian state is created,

• Several Arab governments bankroll Palestinian infrastructure,

• And millions of Palestinians have lived in Arab countries because those countries took them in during displacement.

But sure - let’s just pretend none of that happened, and instead believe the region operates on your personal vibes.

If your argument requires erasing history, ignoring official policy, and claiming psychic knowledge of what hundreds of millions of people think… maybe the problem isn’t the Palestinians.

It’s the analysis

Utter nonsense. The Arab League position is iip service for pubic consumption. Anyone who has lived long-term in the Middle East, and who has worked closely with local people, will confirm my comments.

15 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Wrong. All Arab League countries supported the stance for a Palestine state in recent concluded UN Vote. Isreal and the United States among the few opposed. Get the facts right next time. 

The Arab League's position is lip service only as anyone who knows the Region well will tell you.

5 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The Arab League's position is lip service only as anyone who knows the Region well will tell you.

You do understand an endorsement in UN declaration is not lip service. Who are the anyone in the region? 

 

12 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The Arab League's position is lip service only as anyone who knows the Region well will tell you.

 

When you're in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.

1 minute ago, Eric Loh said:

You do understand an endorsement in UN declaration is not lip service. Who are the anyone in the region? 

 

I repeat, ANYONE WHO KNOWS THE REGION WELL.

1 minute ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

When you're in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.

Agreed.