Hamas ready to begin talks on second phase of ceasefire
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Palestinian Resistance faction Hamas says it is ready to commence the second phase of ceasefire talks after the conclusion of the first.
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A freed Palestinian prisoner is greeted by a crowd as he arrives in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli occupation in Khan Younis, Saturday, February 1, 2025. (AP)
Hamas has expressed its readiness to begin negotiations on the second phase of the ongoing truce in Gaza, two officials from the Palestinian group told AFP on Monday.
"Hamas has informed the mediators, during ongoing communications and meetings held with Egyptian mediators last week in Cairo, that we are ready to start the negotiations for the second phase," one official stated, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.
The official called on mediators to "ensure that the occupation adheres to the agreement and does not stall." A second Hamas official added that the group was "waiting for the mediators to initiate the next round" of discussions.
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli occupation—whose first phase took effect on January 19—indirect negotiations for the next stage were set to begin Monday.
The initial 42-day phase includes the release of 33 Israeli captives in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The second phase is expected to focus on securing the release of the remaining captives and discussing a more permanent resolution to the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that he would begin discussions on the second phase with US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Monday. Netanyahu, currently in Washington, is scheduled to meet Trump on Tuesday.
The meeting could have significant consequences for the ceasefire in Gaza, with Netanyahu eager to understand Trump’s stance on the second phase of the ceasefire deal. This phase may involve a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Before proceeding with any decisions, Netanyahu intends to gauge Trump’s position on the deal. The start of negotiations with Hamas, initially scheduled for Monday, may be postponed, as Netanyahu has chosen to first consult with Trump, according to unnamed Israeli officials.
If Netanyahu opts not to pursue the second phase, the conflict in Gaza could continue for "up to another year" as the Israeli occupation "seeks to completely dismantle Hamas," officials said.
