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Khan Yunis (Gaza): Egypt has confirmed that negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza commenced on Thursday. The current ceasefire agreement is set to conclude on Saturday, and these discussions aim to prevent any immediate disruption to the truce.
Ongoing Negotiations
Egypt's State Information Service stated that officials from Israel, Qatar, and the United States have gathered in Cairo for intensive discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire. "Mediators are also exploring ways to increase humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza," the statement added.
Key Discussion Points
The second phase of negotiations will focus on reaching a long-term resolution, including the release of all surviving hostages still held in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. A third phase will address the repatriation of the bodies of hostages who have not survived.
Israel’s Strategic Move
Israeli authorities report that 59 hostages remain in Hamas' custody, with 24 believed to be alive. Just hours before the talks began, an Israeli official emphasized that the country would not withdraw its forces from a key strategic corridor in Gaza. This stance could present challenges in the ongoing negotiations.
