Israel and Hamas are preparing to advance to the second phase of ceasefire negotiations, as mediators push to extend the fragile 42-day truce that began in January. 🕊️
Hamas has indicated there are \"positive indicators\" for the start of second-phase talks, though details remain under wraps. Meanwhile, Israel is gearing up for discussions as well, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announcing, \"Israel has accepted the invitation of the mediators backed by the U.S. and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday in an effort to advance the negotiations.\" 🇺🇸
A Hamas delegation is currently holding ceasefire talks in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, aiming to progress to the next stage of the deal and potentially end the conflict.
\"We affirm our readiness to engage in the second-phase negotiations in a way that meets the demands of our people, and we call for intensified efforts to aid the Gaza Strip and lift the blockade on our suffering people,\" stated Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua. 🕊️
In a further development, Hamas reported that its delegation met with the head of Egypt's General Intelligence Agency, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, confirming the formation of a committee of \"national and independent\" figures to govern Gaza until elections are held.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi mentioned during an Arab summit that Cairo has collaborated with Palestinians to create an administrative committee of independent, professional Palestinian technocrats to manage Gaza's governance post-conflict.
However, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, violence continues. An Israeli airstrike on Saturday killed two Palestinians in Rafah, southern Gaza, targeting a drone and several suspects involved in what appeared to be a smuggling attempt. 💥
The Gaza ceasefire deal, effective since January, calls for the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas in the second phase, during which final plans would be negotiated to end the conflict. The first phase of the ceasefire ended last week, after which Israel imposed a total blockade, demanding the release of hostages before proceeding with negotiations to end the Gaza conflict.
Amid the turmoil, the international community watches closely as efforts continue to restore peace to the region. 🌍
Reference(s):
Israel, Hamas prepare to advance second-phase Gaza ceasefire talks
cgtn.com
