Israeli and Qatari delegations arrived in Cairo on Thursday to discuss extending the ceasefire in Gaza, with U.S. representatives also participating, according to Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS).
The SIS stated that the parties have commenced intensive discussions on the next stages of the ongoing Gaza truce, focusing on implementing previously agreed-upon understandings.
Negotiators are also exploring ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, aiming to alleviate the suffering of its residents and bolster regional stability.
Earlier, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced the dispatch of an Israeli delegation to Cairo to continue ceasefire talks, without providing further details.
This development follows the completion of the initial phase of the truce, marked by the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners between Wednesday and Thursday. The initial phase is set to expire on Saturday.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar commented on the negotiations, saying, “Our delegation will go to Cairo and see whether we have common ground to negotiate. We said we are ready to extend the framework in return for the release of more hostages.”
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen emphasized that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, and securing their release is a top priority.
Hamas indicated its readiness to begin talks on the second phase, stating that the remaining hostages would be freed only through a commitment to the ceasefire.
The ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, which took effect in November, was brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with support from the United States.
