Two Egyptian security sources confirmed that the Israeli delegation in Cairo is trying to reach an agreement to extend the first stage of the ceasefire in Gaza for an additional 42 days, but that Hamas rejects this extension and demands a move to the second stage as agreed.
Hamas demands pressure on Israel
Today, Friday (February 28, 2025), Hamas called on the international community to pressure Israel to “immediately enter the second stage” of the armistice agreement, confirming its full commitment to implementing all the terms of the agreement, stressing the need for Israel to adhere to it without delay.
Continuing negotiations in Cairo
Egypt announced that the negotiations of the second stage of the ceasefire agreement began on Thursday, which contributed to preventing the collapse of the agreement before the end of the first stage on Saturday. The Egyptian State Information Service explained that delegations from Israel, Qatar and the United States participated in these negotiations.
Exchange of prisoners and hostages
The Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo after the completion of an exchange operation that included the handover of Hamas, the bodies of four prisoners in exchange for the release of 643 Palestinian prisoners. Since the truce began on January 19, 33 hostages have been returned to Israel, while about 1700 Palestinian prisoners were released out of 1900, which were to be released.
The remaining hostages and the second stage
58 hostages are still held in Gaza, including 34, Israel says they have left life. The second stage of the 42 -day truce, the release of the remaining hostages and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Strip, followed by the third stage, which includes the reconstruction of Gaza, which the United Nations is estimated at 53 billion dollars.
Obstacles in the way of implementing the agreement
The negotiations are facing obstacles due to the exchange of accusations of violating the armistice. Israel suspended the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners on February 22, asking Hamas to stop organizing a “festive ceremony” during the exchanges. For its part, Hamas affirmed its willingness to hand over all hostages at once during the second stage, but Israel insists on disarming the Strip and ending Hamas rule, which the movement rejects.
Political pressure on Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu face internal pressure from his right -wing allies who oppose the end of the war. On the other hand, Israeli President Isaac Herzog stressed the need to return all the hostages.
Tensions in Jerusalem with Ramadan approaching
In conjunction with these developments, tensions are escalating in Jerusalem, especially in the Al -Aqsa Mosque, where during Ramadan, prayer is subject to severe Israeli security restrictions. The past years have witnessed repeated confrontations between the Palestinians and the Israeli forces in the courtyard of the mosque, which increases the complexity of the situation in the region.
