Israel, Hamas Enter Negotiations on Gaza Ceasefire Phase 2

Negotiations for the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began in Cairo, involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and the United States, as the initial phase is set to expire on Saturday. The talks aim to establish a lasting agreement that includes the return of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, while also addressing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. However, significant challenges remain, particularly the conflicting objectives of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who seeks to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities, and Hamas’s insistence on the release of hostages. An Israeli official has stated that troops must remain in the strategic Philadelphi Corridor to prevent arms smuggling, which Hamas views as a violation of the truce. The first phase of the ceasefire has seen exchanges of hostages and prisoners, but the situation remains precarious as both sides are hesitant to compromise. The urgency to find common ground before the expiration of the current agreement adds pressure to the negotiations.