Rabat – Israel is set to send its negotiators delegation to Doha by the end of this week to resume the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put off talks, primarily scheduled for yesterday, until he meets US President Donald Trump, this afternoon.
Netanyahu’s office announced the news earlier today, saying that “following [Netanyahu and Trump’s] meeting, Israel is preparing to send a delegation to Doha by the end of this week.”
The Israeli leader is expected to leave Washington on Saturday to hold a meeting with Israel’s Cabinet to discuss the country’s positions on the second phase of the negotiations.
Converging reports suggest that Netanyahu believes the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire is conditional on removing Hamas from Gaza.
Discussions between Trump and Netanyahu are expected to tackle the second round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations, including hostage exchange and a complete and permanent ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.
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Before he met with Netanyahu, Trump made a statement on Monday saying that he has “no assurances” that the ceasefire will hold in Gaza.
The US president’s comments are disappointing to Americans who expected his administration to take a stance that is different from Biden’s.
Netanyahu’s visit to the US comes as Washington is reeling in protests against controversial decisions taken by the new administrations.
Netanyahu has previously said that Israel “reserves the right” to resume its war against Hamas at any time, with continued US support, which prompts questions about the conclusions of today’s meeting.
The delay comes as the first phase of the truce, which started on January 19, is taking place with the exchange of hostages and prisoners, along with a temporary ceasefire.
The initial phase has enabled Palestinian detainees to join their families and humanitarian aid to flow to the ravaged Gaza, but a delay in negotiations shatters down the hopes of reaching stability and peace in the war-torn zone.
