Gaza: Hamas and Israel Resume Talks for Second Phase of Ceasefire

Hamas called on Israel Sunday (09.03.2025) to begin negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. The first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, between Hamas and Israel, was implemented on January 19, 2025, following 15 months of bloodshed in the region with thousands dead and injured. According to reports, a delegation from Hamas held talks in Cairo with the head of Egypt’s intelligence service, Hassan Mahmoud Rasad, regarding the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges involving Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. “There are positive indications,” Hamas stated Saturday, hinting at the possibility of implementing the second phase of the agreement without providing further details. Meanwhile, Israel announced it is preparing for negotiations. According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a delegation will be sent to Doha Monday to advance the talks following mediation efforts supported by the U.S. Despite diplomatic efforts, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed two Palestinians in Rafah (south) yesterday, according to medical sources. Another two were killed in an airstrike on Friday. Based on the January 19 agreement, the second phase involves the repatriation of 58 Israeli hostages—34 deceased and 24 alive—and discussions toward ending the conflict permanently. While progress has been made, challenges remain as Israel reimposed a blockade on the coastal enclave over the weekend, demanding Hamas release all remaining hostages before starting new negotiations.