The militant group Hamas has indicated a willingness to begin talks on the second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza following the release of several hundred Palestinians from Israeli jails in exchange for the bodies of four Israeli hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent negotiators to Cairo to continue talks on the ceasefire, which began on January 19. The ceasefire aims to ultimately bring a permanent end to the conflict that began in 2023 with an assault by Hamas on Israeli towns, followed by a devastating Israeli retaliation.
Hamas has expressed commitment to the ceasefire agreement and readiness to negotiate on the second phase. Israel has made the release of the remaining hostages a priority but insists that Hamas must be removed from Gaza for any agreement on the second phase to be reached. Egypt has facilitated the handover of the bodies of the final four hostages as part of the first phase of the deal, with Israel receiving them in a quiet ceremony.
The release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails is part of the ceasefire agreement, with hundreds being released overnight. The prisoners include men, women, and minors detained in Gaza, as well as those serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis. The prisoners were warmly welcomed upon their return, with one released prisoner expressing confidence in the Palestinian resistance. Additionally, nearly 100 more prisoners were transferred to Egypt until another country agrees to accept them. The ongoing negotiations and releases are seen as steps towards achieving a lasting peace in the region.
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