Based on reports, the officials met in Cairo for the phase two talks and have agreed to exchange the remaining hostages for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to keep the already fragile Gaza ceasefire intact. Based on reports, the officials met in Cairo for the phase two talks and have agreed to exchange the remaining hostages for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Last week, Israel delayed the release of 620 Palestinians in response to the hostage release ceremonies Hamas has engaged in. Reacting to Israel's delay, the Palestinian militant group deemed the decision as a "violation of the ceasefire agreement" and paused all talks until their release was guaranteed.
Before Israel announced it would not be releasing the prisoners, Hamas also stated it was ready to release all remaining hostages in exchange for the prisoners and a permanent truce.
However, after Hamas officials refused to engage in the negotiations for Phase 2, the ceasefire faced the threat of a collapse.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire is set to end on March 2, 2025. As per the guidelines in the agreement, the ceasefire must continue even if the negotiations for the second phase have not been finalised.
With the agreement back in place, Hamas will release the bodies of four more hostages in exchange for the release of the 620 prisoners and others who have been scheduled to be released during the ceasefire.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire on January 19, 2025, bringing a pause in nearly 15 months of fighting. The ceasefire is expected to be carried out in three phases. The first phase included the release of hostages, prisoners and humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The second phase will focus on the release of the remaining hostages, a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the war-torn strip. The third and final phase will focus on the reconstruction of Gaza and an end to all hostilities.