Middle East Crisis Ceasefire

Israel opens for phase two – towards “full demilitarization”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar says the country could consider moving on to phase two of the ceasefire. But in exchange, “full demilitarization” of Gaza is required, all Israeli hostages are released and the terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad leave the area.

“If they agree to it, we can implement this tomorrow,” he says at a press conference according to Reuters.

Phase two was originally supposed to begin this weekend, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly opposed that step and instead wants to extend the first phase. Phase two includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of all hostages.

“Humanitarian aid is Hamas’s main source of income”

Humanitarian aid has become Hamas’ main source of income in Gaza, claims Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. According to him, the money will go to the organization's reconstruction and to recruit more young terrorists.

- I don't know of any other country in the world that is asked to finance the war against itself, he said at a press conference in Jerusalem, according to AFP.

He is rebuffed by Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (Unrwa). He believes that Israel's decision to stop emergency deliveries into Gaza risks leading to more deaths.

"The vast majority of people in Gaza depend on aid for their survival," he writes on X.