Israel is set to begin negotiations on the second phase of its Gaza ceasefire deal, which is expected to include an exchange of the remaining Israeli hostages with Palestinian detainees, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Tuesday.
The discussions, which were planned to commence before the first phase of the ceasefire expires on March 2, have not yet officially started, according to Qatari officials.
At a press conference, Saar emphasized that a complete demilitarisation of Gaza is a core demand for Israel. “A Hezbollah model in Gaza would not be acceptable,” he stated, adding that Israel requires no presence of the Palestinian Authority in the enclave as part of the demilitarisation process.
Saar also mentioned that Israel is aware of an alternative plan proposed by Arab states for managing Gaza. This plan is seen as a counter to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to redevelop the strip under U.S. control—a proposal that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated is “worthy of exploration.” However, Saar made it clear that Israel would not support any arrangement that would see civilian control of Gaza transferred from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to solidify the ceasefire and address the long-standing challenges in the region, with hostilities and political tensions continuing to complicate prospects for a comprehensive resolution.
Read next
02:21
Three bombs exploded on empty buses near Tel Aviv in a major attempted attack, while two other devices were disabled. Israeli authorities are investigating, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Hamas.
00:52
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge after Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including infants, in a highly publicised handover. The move comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and a deadly 16-month-long war.
16:16
As Israel maintains control over key positions in southern Lebanon, the government in Beirut is calling for international pressure to ensure the full implementation of the November 27 ceasefire and increased support for Lebanese security institutions.
12:00
Hamas handed over the bodies of Israeli infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel, along with their mother Shiri Bibas and hostage Oded Lifschitz, on Thursday under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Red Cross vehicles carried the four black coffins, each bearing a photo of the hostages.
15:29
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived at the Tel Aviv District Court to take the stand in his long-running corruption trial.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment