Hamas signals readiness for next phases of Gaza ceasefire deal
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Hamas spokesperson in Gaza, Hazem Qassem.
Gaza: Hamas has reiterated its readiness to proceed with the second and third phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, emphasizing its commitment to the truce.
In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem confirmed that, at the request of a mediator, the group had agreed to double the number of Israeli hostages to be released. He described this move as proof of Hamas’ dedication to implementing the agreement.
Qassem, however, dismissed Israeli demands for Hamas to leave Gaza, calling them part of a "psychological war." He made it clear that Hamas would not accept Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conditions for disarmament and the expulsion of its leaders from the Palestinian enclave, Xinhua news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Israel's public broadcaster revealed that Netanyahu had formally decided to commence negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire deal and had informed the Security Cabinet of his decision.
On Saturday, Hamas and Israel completed the sixth prisoner-for-hostage exchange, despite tense negotiations that nearly derailed the fragile ceasefire. Hamas released three additional Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israeli authorities freed 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19 and spans six weeks, outlines the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. To date, 19 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals have been freed from Gaza, while Israeli authorities have released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Although the second phase of negotiations was set to begin in early February, progress has been slow. Hamas announced on February 4 that it had started discussions with international mediators, while a spokesman for Netanyahu stated on social media platform X that Israel had not yet engaged in talks for the next phase.
The upcoming stage of the agreement is expected to focus on securing the release of the remaining hostages, achieving a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and implementing a permanent ceasefire.
With IANS inputs
