Israel and Hamas have signaled preparations for the next phase of ceasefire talks, with mediators working to extend the fragile 42-day truce that began in January.
Hamas noted "positive indicators" for the second phase of talks but did not provide specifics. Israel confirmed its readiness for negotiations and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday to advance the process, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Meanwhile, Hamas is in talks in Cairo with Egyptian mediators, alongside officials from Qatar, aiming to proceed to the next stage, which could lead to an end to the war, reports Reuters.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua expressed their commitment to discussions that would address the demands of the Palestinian people and push for aid to Gaza and the lifting of the blockade.
Hamas also endorsed the formation of a committee of "national and independent" figures to govern Gaza until elections are held, a plan backed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. This follows Egypt’s efforts to create an administrative committee after the war’s end.
Despite diplomatic efforts, violence continues. On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike killed two Palestinians in southern Gaza, reportedly targeting a drone involved in a smuggling attempt. This followed another Israeli drone strike on Friday that killed two individuals suspected of militant activity.
The ceasefire deal from January stipulates the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas in the second phase, which also includes negotiations for the war’s conclusion.
Since the ceasefire’s start, Hamas has freed 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The ongoing conflict has claimed more than 48,000 Palestinian lives and displaced much of Gaza’s population.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
