TEL AVIV: Following prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s debate in Washington, Israel will release a working-level group to Qatar at the end of the year to solve technical features of the second phase of a peace with Hamas, the prime minister’s office said on Tuesday night.
After returning from the US, Netanyahu will join Israel’s political-security government to evaluate the government’s approach on the second phase of the bargain, shaping future conversations. Step two discussions were scheduled to begin on Monday in accordance with the terms of the peace that started on January 19. Netanyahu, but, put off the start until after his meeting with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy to the Middle East for US President Donald Trump, and US national security advisor Mike Waltz.
After returning from the US, Netanyahu will join Israel’s political-security government to evaluate the government’s approach on the second phase of the bargain, shaping future conversations.
In exchange for hundreds of Palestinian terrorists being held in Israeli custody, the first phase of the ceasefire is supposed to result in the release of 33 Israeli hostages in six weeks. The precise number will depend on the number of people alive. So far, 18 hostages-13 Israelis and five Thais- have been released.
Negotiations will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, and the fate of the remaining 65 hostages will be decided. The phased approach, according to critics, undermines Israel’s gains in the war by allowing hostages to remain locked up until they are freed in the beginning.
In Hamas ‘ attacks on Israeli communities close to the Gaza border on October 7, at least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage. Of the 79 remaining hostages, 35 have been declared dead.
