Israel sends delegation to Cairo to continue critical ceasefire negotiations

Talks aimed at extending the current 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas into a second phase were expected to begin over three weeks ago, but significant obstacles remain. Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said that PM Benjamin Netanyahu is sending a "negotiating delegation to Cairo to continue the talks," as the first phase of the ceasefire nears its expiration on March 1.

The first phase has led to the release of 38 hostages held by Hamas and thousands of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. However, with the ceasefire set to expire, the focus now shifts to the second phase of negotiations, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi confirmed that the withdrawal of Israeli forces was supposed to start on March 1, the 42nd day of the ceasefire, and conclude by March 9, marking the 50th day.

Israel’s control over the corridor adjacent to the Egyptian border remains a contentious issue. The Israeli military took control of this area in May, with Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizing the importance of securing the border for Israel’s safety.

The second phase of the ceasefire would require Israel to withdraw all forces from Gaza, including from the crucial Egyptian border area. In exchange, Hamas would release all remaining hostages. However, Netanyahu’s administration appears resistant to the idea of withdrawing from the Gaza-Egypt border. "We will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor. We will not allow Hamas murderers to roam again with trucks and rifles on our borders, and we will not let them strengthen themselves again through smuggling."

In the wake of this dispute, Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to start discussions on the second phase. The group stated, "Any attempts by Netanyahu and his government to backtrack on the agreement and obstruct it will only lead to more suffering for the prisoners and their families."

Hamas completed the final stage of the first phase by handing over the last four deceased hostages on February 27, further solidifying its pledge to move forward with the next stage of negotiations.

An Israeli source revealed that Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering extending the first phase of the ceasefire, aiming to secure the release of additional hostages without committing to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Netanyahu’s government is reportedly attempting to prolong the ceasefire "by as much as possible" in hopes of achieving this goal.

As the deadline looms, Netanyahu is expected to hold security discussions on February 27, after which a decision will be made regarding the continuation of talks and the mandate for Israel's negotiating delegation.

The current stand-off highlights the deep divisions in the ceasefire agreement and the complex nature of the Israel-Hamas negotiations. Hamas has warned that any failure by Israel to withdraw from the Gaza-Egypt border would constitute "a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, and an attempt to fabricate excuses to obstruct the ceasefire agreement and causing it to fail."

By Vafa Guliyeva