Egypt: Hamas-Israel negotiations on next phase of ceasefire begin

The Egyptian State Information Service announced on Thursday that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States have convened in Cairo to engage in intensive discussions pertaining to a ceasefire agreement for Gaza.

In a recent statement, it was announced that key stakeholders have initiated in-depth discussions concerning the forthcoming stages of a truce agreement. This dialogue takes place as active endeavors continue to secure the execution of the previously established accords.

The talks are also focused on finding strategies to “improve the delivery of humanitarian assistance” to the conflict-stricken Palestinian region, the statement further indicated.

On Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that a delegation is set to visit Egypt to explore the potential for negotiating an extension of the initial phase of a truce, which is scheduled to conclude in the next two days.

Officials from the regime have announced their intention to prolong the initial phase of negotiations, proposing a deal where Hamas would release three captives per week in return for Palestinian detainees currently held by Israel.

Israel’s cabinet is under mounting public pressure to adhere to the ceasefire agreement in order to secure the release of the remaining captives.

The initial stage of the ceasefire is scheduled to conclude this Saturday.

The Israeli military has reported that 58 individuals remain captive in Gaza, with 34 of them believed to be deceased.

Hamas has announced its willingness to release all remaining hostages simultaneously, contingent upon reaching an agreement for a second phase.

Initially scheduled for release on Saturday, the Palestinian captives were to be exchanged for six live captives released by Hamas.

Reports indicate that Israel postponed the handover process, citing allegations of improper treatment of captives during the transfer.

Hamas has leveled accusations against Israel, asserting that the delay jeopardizes the Gaza ceasefire, characterizing these actions as “sabotage.”

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Information Office announced that the seventh and eighth groups of detainee releases have been combined, resulting in a total of 642 individuals being released.

On Thursday, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem announced a significant milestone in the Palestinian people’s endeavors, highlighting the liberation of the seventh and eighth groups of prisoners. Qassem pointed out that this release represents the largest contingent to be freed under the current ceasefire agreement terms.

On October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a military operation against the Gaza Strip following a significant attack by Hamas. This move was described as a response by Hamas to what it termed as escalating hostilities and severe actions against the Palestinian population.

The Tel Aviv authorities did not reach their stated goals of liberating hostages and dismantling Hamas, despite the conflict resulting in the deaths of at least 48,348 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in Gaza.

Israel has agreed to the longstanding terms set forth by Hamas as part of the Gaza truce, which commenced on January 19.

The ceasefire agreement is structured into three distinct phases, with each phase spanning a duration of 42 days. In the initial phase, 33 Israeli captives, which include the remains of eight individuals, were released. In return, approximately 1,900 Palestinian detainees, previously held in the regime’s prisons, were set free.