What's happened
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met US President Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. Key issues include Hamas disarmament, Gaza's demilitarization, and establishing a Palestinian technocratic government. The talks also covered Iran's nuclear activities and Hezbollah's disarmament amid ongoing regional tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Netanyahu's Calculated Delay
Netanyahu's reluctance to fully implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan reflects deep political and strategic calculations. His right-wing coalition opposes concessions to Hamas, fearing loss of Israeli military freedom and sovereignty. Allowing an international force or a technocratic government without Israeli oversight threatens his control and political standing.
US Frustration and Trump’s Role
While Trump publicly praises Netanyahu and pushes for rapid progress, his administration's aides express growing frustration over Israeli delays and ceasefire violations. Trump's personal rapport with Netanyahu contrasts with his officials' concerns, creating internal tensions in US policy.
Regional Security Concerns
The talks also highlight Israel's focus on Iran's nuclear program and Hezbollah's disarmament in Lebanon. Netanyahu seeks US support for potential future strikes, linking Gaza's ceasefire progress to broader regional security dynamics.
Implications for Gaza and Peace Prospects
Without Hamas disarmament and a credible international force, Gaza risks remaining a conflict zone. Netanyahu's strategy may prolong instability, complicate Palestinian governance, and hinder normalization efforts with Arab states. The coming months will test whether diplomatic momentum can overcome entrenched political obstacles.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports Netanyahu hailed by Trump as a "hero" despite US officials suspecting he is "slow walking" the ceasefire's second phase, resisting full aid delivery and Hamas disarmament (Al Jazeera Staff, 26 Dec). The Times of Israel highlights internal US frustrations, with Trump’s aides believing Netanyahu is sabotaging progress, while Trump publicly praises Netanyahu and denies tensions (The Times of Israel, 31 Dec). France 24 emphasizes Netanyahu's focus on Iran and Lebanon during the talks, noting ongoing Israeli strikes despite ceasefires and regional fears (France 24, 29 Dec). The New Arab and The Independent detail the complex negotiations over Gaza's technocratic government and international stabilization force, with Netanyahu resisting proposals excluding Israeli military involvement (The New Arab, 29 Dec; Daniel Keane, The Independent, 29 Dec). Axios reveals White House officials' concerns about Israeli violations and delays, contrasting with Trump's optimistic public stance (Axios, 27 Dec). These sources collectively illustrate a high-stakes diplomatic effort marked by political friction, strategic caution, and regional security anxieties.
How we got here
Following a fragile ceasefire agreement in October 2025, the US brokered a 20-point plan aiming to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. The first phase involved hostage exchanges and limited Israeli withdrawal. The second phase envisions a technocratic Palestinian government, disarmament of Hamas, and deployment of an international stabilization force. Progress has stalled amid mutual accusations of ceasefire violations and political resistance.
Go deeper
- What are the main obstacles to Hamas disarmament?
- How does Netanyahu's coalition influence ceasefire negotiations?
- What role does the US plan for the international stabilization force?
Common question
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What’s Next in Middle East Tensions and Gaza Peace Talks?
The Middle East remains a hotspot of tension despite ongoing peace negotiations. Recent developments show that key players like Israel, Hamas, Iran, and regional allies are still deeply involved in complex talks about ceasefires, disarmament, and governance in Gaza. With high stakes and slow progress, many are wondering what the future holds for regional stability and peace efforts. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the current situation and what might come next.
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What Do Recent Military Movements and Regional Tensions Mean for Global Stability?
Recent developments in military activities across Asia and the Middle East have raised concerns about regional stability and international relations. From China's large-scale drills to ongoing tensions in Gaza, understanding these events is crucial. Below, we explore what these movements mean for global peace and security, answering common questions about their implications and future prospects.
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What Did Netanyahu and Trump Discuss About Gaza Ceasefire?
Recent talks between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Trump have focused heavily on the future of the Gaza ceasefire, regional security, and disarmament efforts. With ongoing tensions involving Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah, many are wondering what was actually discussed and what it means for peace in the region. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these high-level discussions and their implications.
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What Are the Key Diplomatic Moves in the Middle East Right Now?
Recent developments in the Middle East involve high-level talks between Israel, the US, and regional players like Lebanon and Iran. With ongoing conflicts, ceasefire efforts, and regional tensions, many are wondering what these diplomatic moves mean for stability. Below, we explore the main issues, recent talks, and what to expect next in this complex geopolitical landscape.
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How Are US Foreign Policy Moves in 2025 Shaping Global Politics?
In 2025, US foreign policy has been highly active, with significant moves in the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond. From sanctions and military strikes to diplomatic efforts, these actions are influencing regional stability, alliances, and conflicts. Curious about how these policies impact the world? Below are key questions and answers to help you understand the broader picture of US international strategy this year.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: