AP: Israel sets conditions for second phase of Gaza deal

Israel has presented the United States with a series of conditions for implementing the second phase of the Gaza peace agreement, including retaining the freedom to conduct military operations against Hamas if it poses a threat, the Associated Press reports, citing sources.

According to the agency, Israel is also demanding that Qatar and Türkiye be excluded from the group of countries overseeing implementation of the agreement.

In addition, Israeli officials insist that weapons surrendered by Hamas under the second phase of the deal be destroyed.

The development follows US President Donald Trump's earlier statement that an agreement had been reached providing for the complete disarmament of Hamas.

In January 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip through mediation by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

The deal was designed to be implemented in two phases. The first included a halt to hostilities, the release of detainees, expanded humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops.

The second phase envisages further steps toward ending the conflict and determining the future governance of the Gaza Strip.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov