In Jerusalem, **Israeli** Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** met with American envoy Jared Kushner to discuss the second and more complex phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the **Gaza Strip**.
**Read: Netanyahu: Arrest warrant from Istanbul prosecutor – Accused of genocide in Gaza**
According to the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Shos Bedrosian, the two men “discussed the first phase, where we are currently, aimed at returning the remaining hostages, as well as the future of the second phase of the plan, which includes Hamas disarmament, Gaza demilitarization, and ensuring that Hamas will no longer have a role in the region’s future.”
The meeting took place one month after intense diplomatic mobilization by Washington and regional powers to achieve and implement a ceasefire, following two years of devastating war in Gaza.
However, as international analysts estimate, progress in the ceasefire plan promoted by the Trump administration depends not only on the political will of both sides, but also on resolving the issue of Hamas fighters who remain trapped in Gaza.
Gaza: About 200 fighters in tunnels beneath Rafah
An official with knowledge of the details discussed in today’s meeting said the conversation also focused on both the issue of trapped fighters and that of an international stabilization force for Gaza under the Trump plan.
There are approximately 200 fighters in tunnels beneath Rafah in the Gaza area that continues to be controlled by the Israeli army, with Hamas requesting they be allowed to leave, a demand Israel currently opposes.
The government spokesperson said that any decision regarding Israel’s policies in Gaza is made in cooperation with the Trump administration.
American envoy Steve Witkoff described last week efforts to resolve the impasse by providing fighters with safe passage to areas controlled by Hamas in exchange for disarmament as a test for the next steps in the broader ceasefire plan.
Two Western diplomats said Israel is reluctant to allow any safe passage to another area of Gaza or to Egypt.
A Hamas official stated that talks on the matter continue. Hamas wants to resolve the dispute and “remove any pretext that Israel could use to undermine the ceasefire agreement,” but added that Hamas rejects surrendering the fighters.
