TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas are expected to move into the second phase of their ceasefire soon. It will begin after Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza. Netanyahu spoke during a news conference with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday. The ceasefire’s second phase involves disarming Hamas militants and demilitarizing Gaza. It also includes deploying an international force to secure Gaza and forming a temporary Palestinian government. Merz said Germany is assisting with the second phase’s implementation by sending officers and diplomats to a U.S.-led civilian and military coordination center in Israel.
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