Hamas has expressed its readiness to continue ceasefire negotiations following a significant prisoner exchange, as Israel announced it would send negotiators to Cairo to explore the possibility of extending the current ceasefire, which is set to expire in two days. The goal is to secure the release of more hostages while postponing final discussions on Gaza’s future.
This development follows the handover of four hostages’ bodies by Hamas, marking the final release under the six-week ceasefire agreement that began on January 19.
However, discussions for a second phase, which would aim for a long-term resolution and permanent ceasefire, have yet to begin.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, confirmed that a delegation would travel to Egypt to explore options for prolonging the truce. “We are open to extending the ceasefire if it means the release of more hostages. We will see if we can find common ground,” he said.
Reports indicate that Israel is seeking a continuation of the first phase, with Hamas releasing three hostages each week in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
However, the specifics of what will transpire once the ceasefire ends on Saturday remain unclear. Both Egypt and Qatar are facilitating the negotiations, with the United States’ support.
The first phase of the ceasefire saw the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces temporarily withdrew from several positions in Gaza, and fighting was paused.
Negotiations for a second phase, which aims to secure the release of all remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, were initially scheduled for earlier this month.
Israel’s government is facing mounting pressure to honor the ceasefire and secure the remaining hostages’ freedom, while factions within the right-wing administration continue to advocate for military action to eliminate Hamas once and for all.
Israel confirmed that three of the four hostages whose bodies were returned had been murdered while in captivity, with the fourth being killed on the day of the Hamas-led raid that ignited the conflict.
