The SIS stated that Egypt is intensifying communications with Qatar, the US, and other relevant parties to guarantee transitioning to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Hamas rejected a US-Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire deal by one month and swap more captives for prisoners because it did not include any guarantees that Tel Aviv would permanently end its war on Gaza.
Hamas stated it was willing to release all remaining captives in phase two — but only in exchange for the freedom of a larger group of Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and Israel’s complete withdrawal from the strip.
On Sunday, a day after the first phase of the ceasefire expired, Israel suspended the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, renewing its deadly blockade and warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas did not consent to extending the first phase of the ceasefire and releasing more captives.
The first phase of the ceasefire deal/prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US and in effect since 19 January, stipulated the entry of humanitarian aid to the strip to alleviate near-famine conditions.
According to the ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, the second phase of the deal should include negotiations on a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and an end to the war.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed on Wednesday that US officials have engaged in direct talks with Hamas, breaking from a longstanding policy of avoiding direct engagement with the Palestinian resistance movement since 1997.
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