Israel, Hamas signal readiness for next cease-fire talks as mediators push for progress

Israel and Hamas have indicated they are preparing for the next phase of ceasefire negotiations as international mediators work to extend the fragile truce that began in January.

Hamas stated that there were “positive indicators” for the second-phase talks but provided no further details.

Israel also confirmed preparations for discussions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announcing that an Israeli delegation would travel to Doha on Monday in response to an invitation from mediators backed by the United States.

Cease-fire talks gain momentum

Hamas stated that “positive indicators” exist for the start of second-phase negotiations, though the group did not provide details.

“We affirm our readiness to engage in the second-phase negotiations in a way that meets the demands of our people,” Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua said, urging intensified efforts to aid the Gaza Strip and lift the blockade.

Hamas delegation engages with mediators in Cairo

A high-level Hamas delegation is currently in Cairo for discussions with Egyptian officials, who, alongside Qatar, have been instrumental in brokering the cease-fire talks.

During a meeting with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, Hamas expressed support for forming a governing committee of “national and independent” figures to administer Gaza until elections are held.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi echoed this sentiment at the recent Arab summit, proposing an alternative reconstruction plan for Gaza that diverges from U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision.

This initiative aligns with the Arab League’s proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza in contrast to the U.S.-backed alternative.

Hostage release, humanitarian concerns

The initial phase of the cease-fire, which began in January, led to the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

However, the second phase, which would involve the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas, has yet to be implemented. Israeli officials believe fewer than half of the remaining hostages are still alive.

Following the expiration of the first-phase cease-fire on March 1, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza, demanding that Hamas release all remaining hostages before further negotiations.

The blockade has halted humanitarian aid, leading to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, which led to a humanitarian crisis.

Casualties and ongoing conflict

The war, which gained a new phase on Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed more than 48,000 Palestinians; according to Gaza health officials, most of them are civilians and kids.

The conflict has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza.