Israel plans to send a delegation to Qatar to negotiate the extension of a ceasefire with Hamas, following discussions between Hamas and Egyptian officials. While Israel aims to prolong the current ceasefire phase, Hamas advocates for advancing to the second phase, reflecting growing public pressure and humanitarian concerns.
Israel has announced plans to send a delegation to Doha, Qatar, on Monday to engage in discussions aimed at extending a ceasefire with Hamas. This revelation follows recent negotiations conducted by Hamas with Egyptian officials in Cairo regarding the continuation of the ceasefire arrangement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the intent to advance these negotiations, emphasizing the importance of the discussions ahead.
The announcement comes after Hamas’s discussions with Egyptian representatives on Saturday, where they focused on the terms for a second phase of the ceasefire. The Hamas delegation highlighted the urgency of adhering to previous agreements, particularly regarding the opening of border crossings necessary for humanitarian relief to enter Gaza without restrictions.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanoua expressed optimism that “indicators are positive regarding the start of negotiations for the second phase.” The initial phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1, following a complex exchange involving Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
Although Israel aims to extend the current ceasefire phase until mid-April, it has been hesitant to transition into the second phase, which entails a complete cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of military forces from Gaza. In contrast, Hamas insists on progressing to this second stage as originally agreed.
Meanwhile, public discontent is rising in Israel, as families of captives held in Gaza are urging the government to transition to the agreed second phase to secure the safe return of their loved ones. During a protest in Tel Aviv, one mother accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of manipulating the situation for political advantage, calling for immediate action to avoid resuming warfare.
Despite ongoing negotiations, reports indicate that Israeli military operations persist in Gaza, with recent airstrikes resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinians amid but a critical humanitarian situation exacerbated by ongoing blockades. The humanitarian crisis is particularly strained during the holy month of Ramadan, with intense shelling reported in various residential areas.
As of now, reports detail that over 48,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and approximately 111,000 have sustained injuries due to Israeli military actions since early October 2023, intensifying the urgency of resolving the conflict and addressing humanitarian needs.
In conclusion, Israel is preparing to send a delegation to Qatar to negotiate an extension of the ceasefire with Hamas, following discussions held in Cairo. Despite calls for transition to the second phase of the ceasefire, Israel seeks to prolong the current phase, causing tensions among families of captives and humanitarian distress in Gaza. As military actions continue, the humanitarian situation remains dire, highlighting the critical need for resolution and support.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
