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Gaza – Jerusalem – Negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip have not yet begun, and Hamas blames Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for this. This was announced by the group’s representative Abdul Latif al-Qanu in a statement on social media.
Hamas declares readiness for talks
According to al-Qanu, Hamas is ready to implement all stages of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. The group also emphasises that it expects Israel to implement “all the provisions of the humanitarian protocol” stipulated in the agreement.
“We are ready to negotiate the second phase of the agreement, but Netanyahu is deliberately delaying the process,”Al-Kanu said.
Humanitarian aid and prisoner exchange issues
The agreement, which entered into force on 19 January, has three phases: a gradual ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and the resolution of humanitarian issues in Gaza. The first phase of the agreement is due to end on 2 March, but negotiations on the second phase, which includes a wider prisoner exchange and the opening of corridors for humanitarian aid, have not yet begun.
Charges of using prohibited weapons
Al-Qanu also stated that during the 15-month-long attacks on the Gaza Strip, Israel allegedly used weapons prohibited by international conventions. In this regard, Hamas is calling for the establishment of an international committee to investigate these allegations.
“The international community must investigate Israel’s use of prohibited weapons and violations of humanitarian law,” Al-Kanu added.
Israel’s position remains uncertain
Official Jerusalem has not yet commented on Hamas’ statements. However, Israeli media report internal disagreements within the government over the next steps in the negotiations, as well as fears that Hamas could use the pause in hostilities to regroup its forces.
Analysts say that a delay in the negotiations could lead to an aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and complicate the process of prisoner exchange.
