Israeli, Qatari, US teams begin 'extensive talks' in Cairo to discuss next phase of Gaza ceasefire

By İbrahim Khazen and Rania Abu Shamala

CAIRO (AA) - Egypt announced on Thursday evening that intensive talks have begun in Cairo between the parties involved in the Gaza ceasefire agreement to discuss the next phases amid "ongoing efforts to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon understandings."

The Egyptian State Information Service reported that delegations from Israel and Qatar arrived in Cairo to continue negotiations on the Gaza ceasefire, with the participation of US representatives.

In an official statement, the agency noted that "the concerned parties have begun intensive discussions on the next phases of the ceasefire agreement, amid ongoing efforts to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon understandings."

"Mediators are discussing ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population and support stability in the region,” the statement added.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli negotiating team to travel to Cairo to continue the talks, according to a statement from his office.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement is set to conclude on Saturday evening, and it remains unclear whether Israel will officially propose an extension of this phase.

Israel's state-run KAN TV claimed that the US and Israel have discussed the possibility of extending the first phase of the prisoner exchange agreement by several weeks.

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom daily reported that as the first phase of the agreement nears its end, Tel Aviv has requested mediators to increase the number of hostages released in each phase as a condition for extending the agreement.

Under this extension, Israel would continue releasing Palestinian prisoners, maintain the ceasefire, and allow the entry of supplies into Gaza, including mobile housing units.

The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement took effect on Jan. 19, pausing the Israeli war that has killed more than 48,300 people, mostly women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.