Hamas has announced expectations for the commencement of indirect negotiations with Israel concerning the second phase of an ongoing truce in Gaza, anticipated to begin early next week. This statement was made by Taher al-Nunu, a spokesperson for the Palestinian militant group, on Friday. Al-Nunu indicated that discussions facilitated by mediators are actively progressing toward this goal.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, mediators have conveyed their hopes to Hamas that discussions will begin next week in Doha, Qatar. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which has been brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, came into effect on January 19. As per the initial terms, negotiations for the second phase were slated to start on February 3.
The existing phase, which has lasted 42 days, involves an arrangement for the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 prisoners, the majority of whom are Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails. The upcoming second phase is expected to address the release of any remaining hostages and is likely to incorporate discussions about establishing a more permanent ceasefire and resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Hamas has consistently expressed its readiness to engage in the second phase of negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a negotiating team to depart for Doha on February 8, tasked with discussing the technical details surrounding the ongoing agreements. However, this team has not been authorized to engage in discussions pertaining to the second phase.
The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring the developments as mediators work to facilitate a more lasting peace in the region.
