Hamas has expressed optimism about progressing to the next phase of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, as its delegation met with mediators in Cairo on Saturday. The talks, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, aim to build on the fragile truce that ended on March 1.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua stated that discussions were ongoing to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. “The indicators are positive regarding the start of negotiations for the second phase,” he said, without elaborating further.
Meanwhile, Israel announced that it would send a delegation to Doha on Monday for further truce discussions, following an invitation from US-backed mediators.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted six weeks, saw hostages exchanged between Hamas and Israel, temporarily pausing over 15 months of intense conflict. While Israel has proposed extending the ceasefire until mid-April, Hamas insists on transitioning into a second phase that could lead to a permanent end to the war.
Hamas’s delegation met with Egyptian officials to discuss the next steps, emphasizing the need for mediators to ensure Israel upholds its commitments. “Hamas affirms its readiness to begin negotiations for the second phase to meet the demands of our Palestinian people,” Al-Qanoua said.
During the initial truce phase, Hamas released 25 hostages and eight bodies in exchange for around 1,800 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 whom the Israeli military has confirmed as deceased.
With both sides showing willingness to continue discussions, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire can evolve into a long-term peace effort or if hostilities will reignite.
