An Israeli official has confirmed that the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will be meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.
The current ceasefire deal is structured into three phases, with the first phase already underway since January 19. This phase involves the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as well as the release of almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel as part of the agreement.
The details of the second and third phases of the ceasefire deal are still being developed and will be finalized during the six-week period of the first phase. Key mediators in these discussions over the past 15 months have included Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
The upcoming meetings between the US envoy and Israeli officials are crucial in advancing the negotiations and ensuring the successful implementation of the ceasefire deal. The involvement of international mediators highlights the importance of reaching a peaceful resolution in the region and addressing the complex issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
