Rabat – After one week since the end of the first phase of Gaza ceasefire, Hamas says there are “positive indicators” for the start of talks on the second phase.
In complete violation of the original terms and timeline, Israel had originally delayed moving onto the second round of negotiations, demanding Hamas release more hostages. But the Palestinian group is now signaling there may be a shift.
Hamas called today for the “full compliance with all terms of the ceasefire agreement [on behalf of Israel], immediate commencement of second-phase negotiations, the opening of crossings, and unrestricted reentry of relief supplies into Gaza.”
The group conveyed this position during a meeting with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Saturday, where discussions focused on the fragile truce in Gaza.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanoua expressed optimism, noting that “indicators are positive regarding the start of second-phase negotiations.”
“Efforts of the Egyptian and Qatari mediators are ongoing to complete the implementation of the ceasefire agreement,” he added in the statement.
However, he pointed to the “necessity of obligating the mediators to ensure Israel implements the agreement.”
The Palestinian side has affirmed readiness to kick off the second round of negotiations to meet the demands of their people.
Meanwhile, Israel announced it would send a delegation to Qatar on Monday for further discussions.
Read also: Hamas Rejects Extension of the First Phase of Gaza Ceasefire
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the delegation would travel to Doha “at the invitation of US-backed mediators” to attempt to resolve disagreements about the next phase, which is supposed to lead to a permanent end to Israel’s hostilities in the war-torn territory.
The Israeli delegation’s visit will coincide with US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff’s presence in the region. Witkoff is set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a potential ceasefire with Russia.
These developments come at a critical juncture as both parties navigate the complex process of extending the temporary ceasefire of the genocide into a more permanent arrangement. The initial phase provided some relief to Gaza’s population, though humanitarian concerns remain significant as negotiations continue.
The international community continues to monitor these diplomatic efforts closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could end the prolonged conflict and address the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, especially following Israel’s recent inhumane aid blockade on the enclave.
