Israel, Hamas Show Willingness for New Ceasefire Talks Amid Mediation:

Hamas stated that there were “positive indicators” for the upcoming talks but did not provide details. A Hamas delegation is currently in Cairo, engaging in negotiations with Egyptian mediators and officials from Qatar, both of whom are facilitating the process.

Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua reaffirmed the group's readiness to negotiate:

“We affirm our readiness to engage in the second-phase negotiations in a way that meets the demands of our people.”

Hamas also called for intensified humanitarian aid for Gaza and the lifting of the blockade.

Israel Confirms Delegation to Doha for Ceasefire Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel had accepted an invitation from U.S.-backed mediators and would send a delegation to Doha on Monday to advance negotiations.

The ceasefire deal, which took effect in January, outlined a second phase where the remaining 59 hostages in Hamas captivity would be released, and negotiations for a final end to the war would begin.

Governance of Gaza After the War

Hamas has agreed to the formation of a committee of independent Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza until elections. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi previously suggested this alternative governance plan, rejecting the U.S. administration’s “Middle East Riviera” reconstruction vision.

Israeli Airstrikes Continue Amid Truce Efforts

Despite ongoing diplomacy, Israeli airstrikes killed two Palestinians in Rafah on Saturday. The Israeli military claimed it targeted a drone and individuals attempting to recover it in what appeared to be a smuggling attempt.

Additionally, an Israeli drone strike on Friday killed two suspected militants in northern Gaza.

Hostage Exchange and Ceasefire Timeline

Since the truce began, Hamas has released 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais in exchange for the release of around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli officials believe fewer than half of the remaining 59 hostages are still alive.

After the first phase of the ceasefire ended last week, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza, demanding Hamas release the remaining hostages before negotiations for an end to the war can resume.

Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

The Gaza health ministry reports that more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began. The war has displaced nearly Gaza’s entire population, leading to accusations of genocide and war crimes, which Israel denies.

The war started after Hamas-led fighters raided southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources.