 "Palestinians walk past the rubble of destroyed houses, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters")
Palestinian militant group Hamas said Saturday (March 8) that it sees “positive indicators” for launching talks over the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.
Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al Qanou said in a statement, “The efforts of Egyptian and Qatari mediators continue to push for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the start of the next phase, and the signs are positive.”
Qanou added that Hamas was ready to begin negotiations. “The delegation of leaders from the movement (Hamas), which has been in Cairo since yesterday, is discussing ways to initiate the negotiations for the second phase and compel the occupation (Israel) to attend,” the spokesperson added.
For the past week, the Islamist group has reiterated its commitment to advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire, even as indirect talks with Israel remain stalled.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government has pushed for a new agreement to extend the truce during Ramadan in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, while maintaining its military presence in the enclave.
Trump’s ‘final warning’
Hamas’ call to start negotiations comes days after US President Donald T rump issued his “final warning” to the militant group.
On Wednesday, Trump vowed to punish Hamas further and destroy Gaza if all remaining hostages were not released.
“Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform after meeting freed hostages.
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View All“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”
Trump’s strong rhetoric followed the United States’ confirmation of historic direct talks with Hamas. The discussions, led by US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, focused on securing the release of American hostages.
Israel not happy with US-Hamas talks
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer reportedly told Boehler that his nation was not pleased with the talks between the US and Hamas.
But US special envoy Steve Witkoff later justified the engagement, saying the talks were focused on securing the release of 20-year-old Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.
“Edan Alexander is very important to us. He is wounded, and he is a top priority. I hope we see good behavior [from Hamas] next week and that I can get there (to Qatar) and have good talks,” Witkoff said.
(With inputs from agencies)