Israel has announced plans to send a delegation to Doha, Qatar, on Monday to engage in discussions aimed at extending a delicate ceasefire with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the initiative, describing the move as a concerted effort to advance negotiations in light of recent developments.
The decision follows significant talks held between a Hamas team and Egyptian officials in Cairo, during which the second phase of the ceasefire agreement was discussed. The Hamas delegation reiterated the importance of fully adhering to all terms of the existing agreement, emphasizing the immediate need to initiate negotiations aimed at opening border crossings. This would enable the unhindered entry of humanitarian relief materials into Gaza, a critical issue given the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by the region’s residents.
According to Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanoua, recent indicators suggest a positive trajectory regarding the negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire. The initial phase of the deal, which concluded on March 1 after six weeks of negotiations, witnessed a prisoner exchange that involved the release of 25 living Israeli captives in exchange for 1,800 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Israel has expressed its desire to extend the initial phase of the agreement until mid-April, showing hesitancy to transition to the second stage, which calls for a total cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In contrast, Hamas insists on proceeding to the second stage as previously agreed upon.
In parallel developments, freed Israeli captives and their families have been vocal in their demands for the government to push forward with the second phase of the agreement to avert the resumption of hostilities. During a protest in Tel Aviv, families of the captives urged the government to prioritize their loved ones’ release over political considerations.
Reports indicate that Israeli military actions continue to impact Gaza, with at least three Palestinians killed in recent operations. The ongoing blockade has severely restricted humanitarian aid deliveries, exacerbating the dire living conditions for many amid the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims around the world.
As the situation evolves, discussions in Doha represent a critical juncture in efforts to extend peace and stability in the region, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in resolving long-standing conflicts.
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