Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Saturday that the war in Gaza will not conclude until the second phase of the truce is fully executed, which includes the complete disarming of Hamas.
In an interview, Netanyahu emphasized that “Phase B” will be completed, hopefully in an “easy way”, but if not, then the war will end the “hard way”.
Phase B: Disarming Hamas and Demilitarizing Gaza
“Phase B also involves the disarming of Hamas or more precisely, the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip, following the stripping of Hamas of its weapons,” Netanyahu told Channel 14.
“When that is successfully completed, hopefully in an easy way, but if not, in a hard way, then the war will end,” he added.
The second phase of the ceasefire plan is seen as crucial for long-term peace in Gaza, ensuring the militant group no longer poses a direct military threat to Israel.
Rafah Border Remains Closed
On Saturday, Israel announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, despite earlier reports from the Palestinian embassy in Egypt that it would reopen Monday.
According to Netanyahu’s office, reopening the crossing depends on Hamas fulfilling its ceasefire role, including returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.
So far, Hamas has handed over the remains of 10 hostages, with a statement claiming its armed wing will deliver two more on Saturday night. The handover of bodies, alongside aid deliveries and Gaza’s reconstruction, remains central to the ceasefire agreement.
US Warns of Possible Ceasefire Violations
The United States reported receiving “credible reports” suggesting that Hamas may attempt an attack on Palestinian civilians, potentially violating the ceasefire in Gaza.
The US State Department issued a warning that any such assault “would constitute a direct and grave violation” of the agreement brokered by President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the two-year war between Israel and Hamas.
No further details were provided regarding the alleged threat, but the warning underscores the fragility of the current truce.
