Netanyahu faces US pressure to move forward on Gaza truce phase two: Hebrew media

• US pressures Netanyahu to advance Gaza ceasefire Phase

According to a report published by 'Israeli' media outlet Israel Hayom on Tuesday, considerable tension is gripping 'Israel’s' diplomatic apparatus as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for his sixth meeting this year with US President Donald Trump on December 29 at Mar-a-Lago.

According to the report, Trump intends to announce Phase Two of the Gaza ceasefire framework within days, despite Hamas withholding the remains of the last 'Israeli' captive. Phase Two of the 20-point framework is contingent on the repatriation of all captives, a condition that has yet to be met.

'Israeli' officials hope Trump may delay the Phase Two declaration until last captive’s remains are recovered, though the operational details remain unclear. 

Hamas has also weighed in on the stalemate. Political bureau member Hossam Badran told AFP that the ceasefire cannot advance to Phase Two as long as 'Israel' continues “violations” of Phase One, including reducing humanitarian aid and ongoing military operations.

Badran urged mediators to pressure 'Israel' into fully implementing Phase One, which calls for a full ceasefire, the exchange of captives and detainees, and the unhindered entry of aid into Gaza. 

According to the report, U.S. officials are pressing Netanyahu to move forward with Phase Two, while maintaining the ongoing search for last captive. The Trump administration has indicated that the announcement could proceed even without the soldier’s remains, provided Hamas lacks precise intelligence and search capabilities. U.S.

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, has faced repeated violations. 'Israel' continues limited military operations in Gaza, while restrictions on aid and essential goods have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis for roughly 2.4 million residents.

Since the start of the war on October 8, 2023, 'Israeli' operations have reportedly killed over 70,000 Palestinians and injured more than 171,000, according to Gaza health authorities. Daily violations have continued, resulting in hundreds of casualties.

As diplomatic and security discussions continue, Phase Two of the ceasefire remains in limbo, caught between U.S. pressure, the pending recovery of the last 'Israeli' captive, and Hamas’ insistence on full Phase One compliance.