ALBAWABA - Israel and Hamas are set to start debates for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal which was agreed in January.
On Saturday, an Israeli delegation arrived in Qatar to kick off talks for the next phase of the ongoing ceasefire deal. The Times of Israel revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu didn't want the deal to continue so he gave the delegation "no real mandate" for negotiations.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Netanyahu is expected to present what it described as "Israeli demands" regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza for approval at the cabinet meeting next Tuesday.
The newspaper further estimated that Hamas will possibly reject Israel's demands "regarding the second phase."
Ynet further noted that the demands are likely to include "the expulsion of Hamas' leadership from Gaza, the dismantling of its military wing (Al-Qassam Brigades), disarming it, and releasing all hostages."
The newspaper also noted that Netanyahu reached a deal on the principles of the second phase with US President Donald Trump and his envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, during his visit to Washington last week.
But, if Hamas refuses the new demands, Israel could work to extend the first phase as much as possible" to "allow for the release of more hostages and an extension of the ceasefire."
