Tel Aviv/Panjab Post
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s return from Washington, Israel is set to send a high-level delegation to Qatar by the end of the week to discuss the technical details of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Tuesday morning.During his visit to the US, Netanyahu met with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Upon his return, he will convene Israel’s political-security cabinet to reassess the country’s position regarding the next stage of negotiations.The initial phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, outlines the release of 33 Israeli hostages over six weeks in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. So far, 18 hostages—13 Israelis and five Thai nationals—have been freed.
Negotiations for the remaining 65 hostages were initially set to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire but were postponed until after Netanyahu’s meetings in Washington. Critics argue that the phased approach prolongs the captivity of those not freed in the early stages and weakens Israel’s strategic gains.The ceasefire discussions come in the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, which resulted in at least 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 252 individuals, including Israelis and foreign nationals. Among the 79 hostages still held by Hamas, 35 have been declared dead.Opposition voices warn that the current approach may leave some hostages in indefinite captivity, potentially reducing Israel’s leverage in future talks. With the second phase of the ceasefire deal on the horizon, Israel now faces crucial decisions on prisoner exchanges, military strategy, and long-term security concerns in the region.
Israel Prepares for Second Phase of Ceasefire Negotiations with Hamas

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