Hamas officials have confirmed their readiness to begin negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza truce, which has been in place since January 19. According to two Hamas officials speaking anonymously to AFP, the group has informed Egyptian mediators, who have been facilitating the discussions, that they are prepared to move forward with the next stage of the agreement.

The second phase is expected to address the release of the remaining Israeli hostages and could pave the way for a more permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The first phase of the ceasefire involved the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Hamas has urged mediators to ensure that Israel adheres to the terms of the ceasefire and does not delay the process.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently in Washington, is set to meet with US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to discuss the details of the second phase.

Netanyahu is expected to meet Trump on Tuesday for further discussions.