Hamas officials have announced the commencement of discussions with international mediators regarding the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire, which began last month, marked the first phase of negotiations aimed at ending the 15-month war. The initial phase included halting hostilities, increasing humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and exchanging Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages taken during the conflict-triggering attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
However, unresolved issues such as further hostage/prisoner releases, extending the truce indefinitely, and determining Gaza's governance post-conflict were left for subsequent negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump coincided with these developments. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas.
Recent Developments in Gaza
Funeral rites were held in Gaza for Ghazi Abu Tamaa, the weapons and combat services commander of Hamas' military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades. The funeral procession paid tribute to Abu Tamaa, who was killed during the conflict. Additionally, Qatar's Prime Minister reiterated the country's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army during a visit to Beirut.
Meanwhile, the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza has left the city strewn with garbage amid the rubble of destroyed buildings, exacerbating the challenges faced by returning Palestinians. The Israeli military reported two soldiers killed and eight injured in a shooting attack in the West Bank, underscoring the ongoing violence in the region.
Recovery Efforts and Humanitarian Aid
The Palestinian Authority has established a committee to oversee reconstruction and recovery efforts in Gaza, although its operational scope within the territory remains uncertain. Turkey has agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released as part of the ceasefire agreement, providing them with support and security.
Family members of Thai hostages, released by Hamas after over 15 months of captivity, visited them at an Israeli hospital where they are receiving medical care. The hostages were freed as part of a ceasefire deal that also involved the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
