Israel and Hamas signaled readiness on Saturday to enter the next phase of ceasefire negotiations, as mediators push to extend a fragile 42-day truce that began in January.
Hamas officials indicated “positive indicators” for the start of second-phase talks, expressing hope for progress without providing detailed information. “We affirm our readiness to engage in the second-phase negotiations in a way that meets the demands of our people,” said Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua in a statement.
Israel also announced its commitment to the negotiations. “Israel has accepted the invitation of the mediators backed by the U.S. and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday in an effort to advance the negotiations,” stated the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The mediation efforts are being led by Egypt and Qatar, with a Hamas delegation currently holding talks in Cairo. The goal is to progress to the next stage of the ceasefire deal, potentially paving the way for an end to the long-standing conflict.
Discussions include forming a committee of “national and independent” figures to govern Gaza until elections can be held. Hamas reported meeting with Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Agency, to confirm their approval of this interim governance plan.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi highlighted Cairo’s collaboration with Palestinian leaders to create an administrative committee of independent technocrats to govern Gaza after the conflict ends. His remarks came during an Arab summit that adopted Egypt’s alternative reconstruction plan for the region.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike killed two Palestinians in Rafah, southern Gaza. The Israeli military stated that its aircraft targeted a drone that crossed into southern Gaza from Israel and “several suspects” attempting to retrieve it, suggesting a possible smuggling attempt.
This incident followed another on Friday, where an Israeli drone attack killed two people in Gaza. The military claimed it targeted suspected militants planting an explosive device near Israeli troops in northern Gaza.
The ceasefire deal, effective since January, calls for the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas in the second phase, during which plans for ending the conflict would be negotiated. The first phase of the ceasefire ended last week, after which Israel imposed a total blockade on goods entering Gaza, demanding the release of hostages before further negotiations.
As both sides prepare for the next round of talks, hopes cautiously rise for a breakthrough that could lead to lasting peace in the region.
