Hamas confirms start of 2nd phase in Gaza cease-fire negotiations

Hamas confirmed Tuesday that talks for the second phase of the Gaza cease-fire and prisoner exchange agreement have begun.

“The second-phase negotiations and contacts have started, and we are focused on shelter, relief, and rebuilding for our people in Gaza,” said Abdel Latif al-Qanoua, a spokesman for the group, in a statement.

He accused Israel of “delaying the implementation of humanitarian protocols in the cease-fire agreement and stalling its execution.”

“Shelter and humanitarian aid are urgent priorities that cannot be subject to Israeli delays,” he added.

Qanoua emphasized the need to rebuild hospitals, repair roads, and restore water wells as crucial to reviving life in Gaza after the extensive destruction caused by Israel’s military offensive.

Israel announced early Tuesday that it would send a negotiating team to Qatar this weekend to discuss the second phase of the Gaza agreement. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the talks would cover “technical details related to continuing to carry out” the deal.

The announcement followed a meeting between Netanyahu and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz in Washington, where the next phase of the cease-fire was discussed.

Negotiations were set to begin on Monday, but Netanyahu delayed sending negotiators to Doha until after his meeting with former President Donald Trump later that day.

The first six-week phase of the cease-fire took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, ending Israel’s offensive that killed over 47,500 people and left the enclave devastated.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.