Hamas indicates readiness for talks on second round of Gaza truce

Two senior sources in Hamas said yesterday that the movement is prepared to begin negotiations with Israel on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

A senior Hamas official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The negotiations for the second phase are scheduled to begin today [Monday]. Hamas informed the mediators, during ongoing communications and meetings with Egyptian mediators last week in Cairo, that we are ready to start the negotiations for the second phase.”

Another senior Hamas source confirmed: “We are waiting for the mediators to begin the negotiations. The Hamas delegation is ready and committed to implementing the terms of the agreement.”

The official explained that the negotiations on the second phase will focus on “achieving a permanent ceasefire, preventing a return to war, and securing military withdrawal, including from the Philadelphi Corridor, as well as setting criteria for the release of Palestinian prisoners under the second phase of the deal.” He emphasised that “the Al-Qassam Brigades and resistance factions are holding several senior officers and soldiers captive.”

He also noted that the agreement includes provisions for continuing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This includes “food, medicine, and relief supplies, along with 200,000 fully equipped tents, 60,000 caravans, materials for restoring hospitals and water stations, the operation of bakeries, and the entry of fuel and heavy equipment to clear debris and recover bodies.”

The negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the second phase of the ceasefire are expected to lead to the release of the remaining captives in Gaza and bring an end to Israel’s genocidal bombing campaign, which began on 7 October 2023.

The three-phase truce agreement stipulates a cessation of hostilities and Israel’s withdrawal from populated areas. The first phase, lasting six weeks, includes the release of 33 captives from Gaza (excluding Thai nationals) in exchange for freeing approximately 1,900 Palestinians from Israel’s jails.

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