Hamas Expresses Commitment to Next Phases of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
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Synopsis
Hamas has expressed its commitment to advancing the subsequent phases of the Gaza ceasefire deal, agreeing to release additional Israeli hostages while rejecting Israeli demands to disarm or leave Gaza. This follows the completion of a significant prisoner-for-hostage exchange amid ongoing negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas agrees to release more Israeli hostages.
- Rejects Israeli demands for disarmament.
- Negotiations for second phase are underway.
- Latest exchange involved 369 Palestinian prisoners.
- Focus on permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Gaza, Feb 19 (NationPress) Hamas has reiterated its readiness to move forward with the second and third phases of the Gaza ceasefire arrangement.
In a statement by Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, the group confirmed its agreement, at the request of a mediator, to increase the number of Israeli hostages to be released, showcasing its dedication to the agreement.
Qassem dismissed Israeli demands for Hamas to exit Gaza as part of a “psychological war.” He emphasized that Hamas would not acquiesce to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s requests for disarmament and the expulsion of its leaders from Gaza, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In a separate report, Israel's public broadcaster indicated that Netanyahu has officially decided to initiate negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire deal and has informed the Security Cabinet of this decision.
On Saturday, Hamas and Israel finalized the sixth prisoner-for-hostage exchange after tense negotiations that nearly disrupted the fragile ceasefire.
During this exchange, Hamas released three additional Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israeli authorities freed 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which has been in effect since January 19 and lasts for six weeks, involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians. To date, 19 Israeli hostages, along with five Thais, have been freed from Gaza, while Israeli authorities have released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas were expected to commence discussions for the second phase in early February. On February 4, Hamas announced it was in talks with international mediators, while a spokesperson for Netanyahu stated on social media platform X that Israel had not yet started negotiations for the second phase.
The second phase of the agreement aims to concentrate on the release of remaining hostages, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian enclave, and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire.
