Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to arrive in Washington on Monday, marking the start of the second phase of negotiations for the next stage of a hostage deal. The talks will focus on Gaza and hostages, as well as components of the Iranian axis and other key issues.
The US President Trump will meet with Netanyahu for the first time since his inauguration, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Hamas has also confirmed that it is ready to engage in the second phase of negotiations, which will involve mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
However, a Hamas source warned that Israel was creating obstacles in the negotiations by evading commitments made in previous talks. Egyptian and Qatari mediators have conveyed an angry message to the Israeli government regarding its approach to the ceasefire agreement.
The first phase of the deal, signed in Doha on January 17, laid out the details for the release of 33 Hamas hostages and several thousand Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. Thirteen hostages have already been released, including Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, and Agam Berger. The list of remaining hostages has not yet been disclosed.
The talks aim to build on the progress made in the first phase, with Netanyahu set to meet with US President Trump for the first time since his inauguration. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in resolving the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-840232