Israel signals readiness for next phase of ceasefire

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has stated that the government is prepared to move to the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes a full military withdrawal from Gaza and the release of all captives still alive.

However, he emphasised that progress would depend on reaching an agreement regarding the captives. His remarks, reported by Reuters, appear to contradict Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent stance.

Netanyahu had suggested extending the first phase of the ceasefire by six weeks instead of advancing to the next stage, highlighting divisions within Israel’s leadership over the ongoing truce.