Gaza Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange Agreement: Negotiations for Second Phase Begin
The Palestinian group Hamas has confirmed that negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement have started. According to a statement from group spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanoua, the focus of the negotiations will be on shelter, relief, and rebuilding for the people of Gaza.
Israel’s Delayed Implementation of Humanitarian Protocols
Qanoua accused Israel of delaying the implementation of humanitarian protocols in the ceasefire agreement and stalling its execution. He emphasized that shelter and humanitarian aid are urgent priorities that cannot be subject to Israeli delays.
Rebuilding Gaza
Qanoua stressed that rebuilding hospitals, repairing roads, and restoring water wells are essential to reviving life in Gaza after the extensive destruction caused by the Israeli war. The first six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on January 19, halting Israel’s war, which killed more than 47,500 people and left the enclave in ruins.
Israel’s Negotiating Team to Qatar
Israel announced that it will send a negotiating team to Qatar this weekend for talks on the second phase of the Gaza deal. The team will discuss "technical details related to continuing to carry out" the agreement, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Meeting with US Special Envoy
The announcement came after a meeting between Netanyahu and US special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz in Washington, during which they discussed the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Negotiations on the second phase of the agreement were scheduled to start on Monday, but Netanyahu decided not to send his negotiators to Doha until after his meeting with Trump later on Tuesday.
International Criminal Court Investigations
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its war on the enclave.
Conclusion
The negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement are a crucial step towards rebuilding and reviving life in Gaza. It is essential that both parties work together to implement the humanitarian protocols and ensure the well-being of the people of Gaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement?
A: The purpose is to rebuild and revive life in Gaza after the extensive destruction caused by the Israeli war.
Q: What are the urgent priorities for the people of Gaza?
A: Shelter and humanitarian aid are the urgent priorities for the people of Gaza.
Q: Why is Israel delaying the implementation of humanitarian protocols?
A: According to Hamas, Israel is delaying the implementation of humanitarian protocols and stalling the execution of the agreement.
Q: What is the current status of the International Criminal Court investigations?
A: The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its war on the enclave.