Israel's Energy Minister, Eli Cohen, informed local media that there are still 59 hostages in Gaza and their release is the highest priority. On the other hand, Hamas expressed its willingness to initiate discussions regarding the second phase of the process, emphasizing that the only way to release the remaining hostages in Gaza is through a ceasefire agreement.
The current ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which has been in effect since January 19, was negotiated with the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, with the backing of the United States. Delegations from Israel and Qatar recently arrived in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, to participate in negotiations on the ceasefire in Gaza, with the presence of representatives from the United States.
Amid intense discussions, the parties involved have begun to address the next steps of the current agreement in Gaza, as well as to seek ways to ensure the implementation of previously agreed commitments. The expansion of humanitarian aid distribution in the Gaza Strip was also addressed as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population and maintain stability in the region.
Following the completion of the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, corresponding to the first phase of the three-phase agreement, Israel sent a negotiating delegation to Cairo to continue discussions on the ceasefire. This step was taken on the eve of the culmination of the initial 42-day phase of the agreement this Saturday.
When responding to questions about a possible extension to the second phase of negotiations, Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, mentioned that the delegation would travel to Cairo to explore whether there is common ground to engage in such discussions. "We are prepared to expand the framework in exchange for the release of more hostages," Sa'ar added.
