Hamas Reports Encouraging Developments in Gaza Ceasefire Talks
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Synopsis
Hamas has reported positive developments in negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel is sending a delegation to Doha for talks. Efforts by Egyptian and Qatari mediators continue as discussions focus on humanitarian relief and the implementation of ceasefire terms.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas reports positive developments in ceasefire negotiations.
- Israel to send a delegation to Doha for talks.
- Ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar.
- Focus on humanitarian aid and lifting the blockade.
- Importance of moving to the second phase of the ceasefire.
Gaza, March 9 (NationPress) Hamas has reported that there are encouraging developments concerning negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that Israel plans to dispatch a delegation to Doha on Monday to engage in truce discussions.
According to Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou, in a statement made on Saturday, the efforts of Egyptian and Qatari mediators are still ongoing to finalize the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and begin negotiations for its second phase, with positive indicators emerging in that direction.
He highlighted Hamas's willingness to participate in these negotiations in a way that fulfills the demands of the Palestinian people, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The spokesman urged for increased efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and to lift the Israeli blockade.
Meanwhile, Taher al-Nunu, an advisor to Hamas's political bureau chief, announced that a Hamas delegation, led by Mohammad Darwish, head of the movement's leadership council, has arrived in Cairo.
As per al-Nunu, the delegation will engage in discussions with Egyptian officials regarding the outcomes of a recent Arab summit and the means to implement them.
Discussions will also center on the importance of advancing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, according to al-Nunu.
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday for discussions on implementing the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal and advancing negotiations for its second phase, as stated by Egypt's State Information Service.
A three-phase Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, took effect on January 19.
The negotiations for the second phase of the deal have been stalled since the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1.
Egypt has been ramping up its diplomatic efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire and facilitate the reconstruction of the strip.
On Tuesday, Egypt hosted an emergency Arab summit and proposed a Gaza non-displacement reconstruction plan valued at $53 billion.
In a statement, Netanyahu's office indicated that Israel has accepted an invitation from US-backed mediators and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday to further the negotiations.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire concluded on March 1 following six weeks of relative calm that included exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners; however, extensive hostilities have not resumed.
While Israel has expressed a desire to extend the first phase until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on a transition to the second phase, which should pave the way for a permanent end to the war.
