Netanyahu to Begin Talks on Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to begin negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire in Washington on Monday, following the latest hostage-prisoner exchange.

Netanyahu discussed the matter with U.S. President Joe Biden’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Sunday, agreeing that negotiations would commence during their meeting in Washington. While no official date has been set for direct talks between Israeli and Hamas delegations, mediators from Qatar and Egypt will hold preliminary discussions before scheduling formal negotiations.

The second phase of the truce aims to address the release of remaining hostages, including foreign nationals, and discuss a potential long-term resolution to the war—an issue that has caused divisions within Netanyahu’s government.

As part of the first phase of the deal, Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday in exchange for over 180 Palestinian prisoners. The released hostages—Ofer Kalderon, Yarden Bibas, and U.S.-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel—were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza before being transferred to Israel.

Despite the ongoing hostage releases, 76 captives remain in Gaza, including at least 34 believed to be deceased, according to the Israeli military. The fate of some hostages remains uncertain, with families desperately seeking answers regarding their loved ones.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, a total of 251 people were taken hostage. Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have so far released 18 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and minors.

A fifth exchange is scheduled for next Saturday, with 1,900 additional Palestinian prisoners expected to be released in exchange for 33 remaining hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire deal.

The hostage crisis has sparked intense international scrutiny, with families of captives gathering in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, anxiously awaiting further developments. Meanwhile, medical evacuations from Gaza have resumed, with 50 Palestinian patients, including 30 children with cancer, crossing into Egypt for urgent treatment.

As Netanyahu heads to Washington, his coalition remains divided over the terms of a long-term ceasefire. While mediators push for a lasting resolution, some hardliners within Netanyahu’s government oppose any truce that does not involve military action to eliminate Hamas.

With U.S. President Joe Biden expected to meet Netanyahu on Tuesday, the coming days will be crucial in shaping the next phase of the Gaza conflict.