Netanyahu says announcement of next ceasefire phase is 'declarative move'
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Israeli strikes in Gaza on Thursday killed nine people, including three women, despite the recent announcement of a second phase in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ceasefire's second phase announcement as largely symbolic, expressing skepticism about its practical implementation and emphasizing the priority of returning the remains of the last Israeli hostage.
- The second phase includes plans for an apolitical Palestinian governing committee and an international "Board of Peace," but key details such as disarming Hamas, reconstruction timelines, and border reopening remain unclear.
- Palestinians in Gaza continue to face ongoing violence, humanitarian shortages, and harsh winter conditions, with over 450 deaths since the ceasefire began in October, raising doubts about the ceasefire
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