Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to advance to the second phase of the Gaza agreement, even as the US administration urges restraint in the West Bank. According to sources familiar with the matter, the US government believes escalating violence in the West Bank could jeopardize the Gaza peace agreement and hinder efforts to expand the Abraham Accords before the end of President Trump’s term.
The message from Washington reportedly emphasizes that a change of course in the West Bank is crucial to repairing Israel’s relations with European nations and boosting the prospects of further normalization agreements.
Reportedly, Netanyahu has spoken out against settler violence and expressed willingness to take further action. This comes amid escalating tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank.
Since the start of the conflict in Gaza, Israeli forces and settlers have reportedly killed over 1,100 Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and injured thousands more. In addition, thousands have been detained.
Netanyahu’s agreement to move forward with the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza comes despite disagreements with the US team regarding implementation mechanisms. He has also reportedly accepted President Trump’s request to resume talks with the Syrian government regarding a potential security agreement.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement went into effect months ago. However, Israel has allegedly violated some of its provisions and delayed the transition to the second phase, citing the continued captivity of a soldier in Gaza, even as Palestinian factions continue to search for him amid the widespread destruction.
The agreement was intended to end the conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian fatalities and injuries, mostly children and women. However, violations and the blockade of the Gaza Strip continue. DZWatch continues to monitor the situation closely.
