Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel and Hamas are expected to enter the second phase of their ceasefire once Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza.

Speaking at a news conference with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said the phase, which includes disarming Hamas and withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, could begin as early as the end of the month.

Hamas has not yet returned the remains of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current conflict. His body was taken to Gaza.

The second phase also involves the deployment of an international security force in Gaza and the formation of a temporary Palestinian government to manage daily operations under an international board led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

A senior Hamas official told The Associated Press that the group is willing to discuss the “freezing, storing, or laying down” of its weapons as part of the ceasefire, addressing one of the most difficult issues ahead.

Netanyahu acknowledged the complexity of the process, noting that few believed the initial phase of the ceasefire could be achieved and that the next stage presents similarly significant challenges.