Israel and Hamas have indicated their willingness to move forward with the next stage of ceasefire negotiations as mediators work to extend the 42-day truce that began in January.
A Hamas spokesperson stated that there were “positive indicators” for the start of the second-phase talks, though no further details were provided.
Hamas representatives are currently in Cairo holding discussions with Egyptian mediators, who, along with Qatari officials, have been facilitating the ceasefire talks. The negotiations aim to build upon the existing agreement and potentially work toward a long-term resolution to the conflict.
Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua reiterated the group’s readiness to engage in discussions that align with its demands and called for increased efforts to provide aid to Gaza and lift the blockade.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel had accepted an invitation from mediators backed by the US and would send a delegation to Doha on Monday to advance negotiations.
The move comes after an invitation from international mediators, including the United States. The negotiations are part of a three-phase agreement, with the first phase already completed.
In parallel, Israel’s state television reported that the United States had proposed a plan to extend the current ceasefire for another two months, in exchange for the release of 10 live prisoners held by Hamas.
However, Israel has agreed to the extension proposal, while Hamas has rejected it, accusing Israel of trying to evade the continuation of the original agreement.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, went into effect on January 19.
The deal allowed for the release of 38 captives held by Hamas, including 30 living individuals, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
