CAIRO – 27 February 2025: Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS) announced that two delegations from Israel and Qatar arrived in Cairo, Thursday to resume negotiations related to Gaza ceasefire agreement, with the participation of US representatives.
SIS explained that intensive discussions have begun regarding the next stages of the agreement, amid ongoing efforts to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon terms.
Mediators are also discussing ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of people in Gaza.
In a statement earlier, Hamas confirmed its readiness to enter negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The Palestinian movement emphasized that negotiations and adherence to the ceasefire agreement are "the only way to release the [Israeli] occupation’s captives" still held in the enclave.
“Any attempts by Netanyahu and his government to backtrack on the agreement and obstruct it will only lead to more suffering for the captives and their families,” Hamas warned.
The movement reiterated its full commitment to all provisions of the ceasefire agreement.
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, which halted more than 15 months of Israeli war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, is set to expire on Saturday, March 1.
The second phase aims to establish a permanent cessation of the Gaza war, ensure a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, and facilitate the release of dozens of captives still held by Hamas.
Under the current phase, Hamas has thus far released 30 living captives taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, including Israeli civilians, soldiers, and Thai nationals.
Additionally, Hamas has released the bodies of eight Israeli captives it asserted were killed by Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
About 60 captives remain held by Hamas, with about half believed to still be alive.
Be Social
Comments
Leave a Comment