Conflicting Israeli reports emerge on second phase of Gaza ceasefire
Netanyahu's office has announced that a delegation will travel to Cairo on Monday to discuss the continuation of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire.
-
Hamas fighters take up a position ahead of a hostages' release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Israeli media outlets have presented conflicting accounts on the future of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, fueling uncertainty over its implementation.
According to Channel 12, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has confirmed that Phase 2 will move forward, despite its complexity. He described recent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence officials as "very productive and constructive." Negotiations are expected to continue this week, with mediators working to align both parties toward a resolution.
Pro-Netanyahu Channel 14, however, cites a political source who claims that Phase 2 is unlikely to happen at all. Instead, the first phase may simply be extended, allowing for the release of additional hostages without further commitments from "Israel".
This comes as Netanyahu’s office announced on Sunday that a negotiating team will depart for Cairo on Monday to discuss the continuation of the first phase of the ceasefire. The delegation is set to receive further instructions after a security cabinet meeting, which will also review the possibility of Phase 2 negotiations.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israeli violations of the ceasefire continue. Earlier today, an Israeli airstrike killed three Palestinian police officers east of Rafah, an attack condemned by the Gaza Interior Ministry as yet another breach of the truce. At the same time, Hamas has accused "Israel" of blocking humanitarian aid, preventing wounded Palestinians from traveling for medical treatment and reinforcing the siege on Gaza—all actions that undermine the ceasefire agreement.
Read more: 'Israel' targeting police officers in Rafah violates ceasefire: Hamas