Netanyahu holds security meeting on 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire

​​​​​​​By Said Amori and Betul Yilmaz

JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a Security Cabinet meeting Thursday to discuss developments related to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Public broadcaster Kan said the meeting addressed the possibility of a shift in the US’ position, including scenarios in which Washington might withdraw from direct engagement in Gaza or support solutions that do not have the approval of the Netanyahu government.

A senior Israeli official told KAN that alternative options, including launching a new military operation in Gaza, were discussed in case of a fundamental shift in the US position or a failure of political efforts.

The meeting came ahead of an anticipated meeting between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, expected to be held Dec. 29 in the US state of Florida.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Turkish, Qatari and Egyptian representatives on Friday in Miami, to discuss the next phase of the agreement.

A ceasefire deal took effect Oct. 10 in Gaza, based on a plan presented by Trump, halting two years of an Israeli war that killed nearly 70,700 victims, mostly women and children, and injured more than 171,100 since October 2023.

Phase one of the deal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.