Synopsis
Hamas has confirmed the beginning of discussions for the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel, focusing on urgent humanitarian needs including shelter and reconstruction in the war-torn region.Key Takeaways
- Hamas initiates second phase of ceasefire talks.
- Focus on shelter, relief, and reconstruction.
- Israel accused of blocking humanitarian agreements.
- Delegation to Qatar for further negotiations.
- Ceasefire effective from January 19, ending military operations.
Gaza, Feb 4 (NationPress) Hamas announced on Tuesday that negotiations for the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel have commenced, concentrating on shelter, relief, and reconstruction efforts in the severely impacted Palestinian region.
Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou emphasized, “At present, our priorities are shelter, relief, and reconstruction for the people of the Gaza Strip,” in a formal announcement.
Al-Qanou further criticized Israel for hindering the execution of the humanitarian protocols outlined in the ceasefire deal, asserting that shelter and relief are pressing humanitarian matters that require immediate attention.
Earlier reports indicated that Israel is preparing to dispatch a delegation to Qatar to engage in talks regarding the subsequent phase of the agreement, as stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
This development followed Netanyahu’s discussions in Washington with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and the President’s special envoy to the Middle East, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
The Gaza agreement encompasses an initial 42-day truce, during which 33 hostages and numerous Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons are scheduled for release. Efforts to engage in discussions for the second phase were slated to commence on the 16th day of the ceasefire, which occurred on Monday.
The ceasefire, effective from January 19, brought an end to 15 months of Israeli military actions in Gaza that resulted in widespread devastation and approximately 62,000 fatalities, including over 17,000 children, according to health authorities in Gaza.
Earlier on Tuesday, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel is organizing a delegation to Qatar to negotiate the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The statement read, “Israel is making arrangements for a working-level delegation to depart for Doha at the end of this week to deliberate on technical aspects related to the ongoing execution of the agreement.”
Next week, the Security Cabinet is anticipated to convene to evaluate Israel’s overall stance concerning the second stage of the agreement, which, according to the office, “will inform the progression of the negotiations.”
Netanyahu’s office indicated that discussions will center on maintaining the fragile truce and efforts to conclude the conflict in Gaza. The Prime Minister also hinted at potential talks regarding advancing a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
