Hamas Says Ready to Begin Second Phase Negotiations

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Hamas has reiterated its “full commitment” to the ceasefire agreement and its intention to implement the agreed terms, expressing readiness to begin negotiations for the second phase immediately.

In a statement issued on Monday, the movemnet accused the Israeli occupation of undermining the “agreement and refuses to start the second phase, exposing its intentions to evade and delay.”

“Netanyahu is obstructing the implementation of the agreement for purely personal and partisan reasons. The last thing on his mind is the release of the prisoners and the feelings of their families,” it added.

“The agreement was made under the mediation of international brokers and witnessed by the world. Therefore, the occupation is obligated to implement it, as it is the only path to the release of the prisoners.”

The movement said it rejects “any attempts to pressure Hamas while the occupation remains unaccountable for its failure to honor its commitments.”

“The language of blackmail and threats of war will not be effective,” it said, adding “there is no path forward except through negotiations and adherence to the agreement. Anything else is merely manipulating the fate of the prisoners.”

Talks with US

Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nono confirmed that several meetings took place in Qatar’s capital between the Palestinian group and Adam Boehler, President Trump’s envoy for hostages, over the past week regarding the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

On Wednesday, the White House said the US is engaging in direct talks with Hamas on furthering the Gaza ceasefire. Israel acknowledged it was consulted by the US on the discussions.

“Several meetings have already taken place in Doha focusing on releasing one of the dual-nationality prisoners. We have dealt positively and flexibly in a way that serves the interests of the Palestinian people,” Taher al-Nono told the Reuters news agency.

The two sides also discussed how to see through the implementation of the phased ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the Israeli assault, he added.

“We informed the American delegation that we don’t oppose the release of the prisoner within the framework of these talks,” al-Nono said.

President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters at the White House last week that gaining the release of Edan Alexander, 21 – believed to be the last living American captive in Gaza – is a “top priority for us”. Alexander served as a soldier with the Israeli military.

In Cairo, a high-level delegation from Hamas continues to engage in ceasefire talks with mediators.

“The delegation emphasised the necessity of adhering to all terms of the agreement proceeding immediately to initiate negotiations for the second phase, opening the border crossings, and allowing the entry of relief materials into Gaza without any restrictions or conditions,” Hamas said in a statement.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanoua said a day earlier that “indicators are positive regarding the start of negotiations for the second phase”.

Israel also said it’s preparing for talks. “Israel has accepted the invitation of the mediators backed by the US and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday in an effort to advance the negotiations,” Netanyahu’s office said on Saturday night.

The discussions aim to proceed to the next stage of the deal, which could open the way to ending the war.

The first phase of the ceasefire ended last week. Israel has since imposed a total blockade on all humanitarian aid entering the Palestinian territory.