Hamas Reports Positive Developments in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations
Delegations from Hamas and Israel engage in discussions as truce talks enter a pivotal second phase.
Hamas has indicated progress in negotiations for the second phase of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, following meetings in Cairo with mediators.
The comments from Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua came as a delegation from the Palestinian militant group engaged in discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
Al-Qanoua described the ongoing efforts as encouraging, stating that there are 'positive' indicators for the commencement of the next phase of negotiations.
In parallel, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will dispatch a delegation to Doha on Monday to partake in the truce discussions.
This move coincides with Hamas’s insistence on transitioning to a second phase that aims for a permanent cessation of hostilities, contrary to Israel's preference for extending the initial phase until mid-April.
The first phase of the ceasefire concluded on March 1, following six weeks of relative calm characterized by a series of exchanges involving hostages and prisoners.
Under this arrangement, Gaza militants returned 25 living hostages and eight deceased individuals in exchange for approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Of the 251 captives taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 assault on Israel, 58 remain within Palestinian territory, with 34 confirmed deceased by Israeli military sources.
The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for more than 15 months, has seen the truce largely halt hostilities, creating a temporary respite for affected populations.
High-level discussions are ongoing, with Hamas emphasizing the importance of ensuring that mediators hold Israel accountable for fulfilling agreements as part of the negotiations to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
The comments from Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua came as a delegation from the Palestinian militant group engaged in discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
Al-Qanoua described the ongoing efforts as encouraging, stating that there are 'positive' indicators for the commencement of the next phase of negotiations.
In parallel, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will dispatch a delegation to Doha on Monday to partake in the truce discussions.
This move coincides with Hamas’s insistence on transitioning to a second phase that aims for a permanent cessation of hostilities, contrary to Israel's preference for extending the initial phase until mid-April.
The first phase of the ceasefire concluded on March 1, following six weeks of relative calm characterized by a series of exchanges involving hostages and prisoners.
Under this arrangement, Gaza militants returned 25 living hostages and eight deceased individuals in exchange for approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Of the 251 captives taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 assault on Israel, 58 remain within Palestinian territory, with 34 confirmed deceased by Israeli military sources.
The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for more than 15 months, has seen the truce largely halt hostilities, creating a temporary respite for affected populations.
High-level discussions are ongoing, with Hamas emphasizing the importance of ensuring that mediators hold Israel accountable for fulfilling agreements as part of the negotiations to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
