Hamas said on Tuesday that Egyptian and Qatari mediators are continuing efforts to finalize the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and initiate the second phase of negotiations.
In a press statement, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou said that Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been working to complete the ceasefire agreement and move forward with the second phase of negotiations.
"There are positive signs in this regard," said Al-Qanou, adding that Hamas is prepared to engage in upcoming negotiations in a manner that meets the demands of the Palestinian people.
According to Al-Qanou, a Hamas leadership delegation arrived in Cairo on Monday and discussed mechanisms for initiating the second phase of negotiations. The first 42-day phase of the truce deal expired in early March without agreement on subsequent stages meant to secure a lasting end to the war, which erupted after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
There are differing views on how to proceed, with Hamas seeking immediate negotiations for the next phase, while Israel wants to extend the first phase.
Hamas has accused Israel of reneging on the ceasefire deal, saying in a statement on Monday that Israel "refuses to commence the second phase, exposing its intentions of evasion and stalling."
Ahead of the current round of talks, Israel halted the supply of electricity to Gaza's only desalination plant, a move Hamas condemned as "cheap and unacceptable blackmail." Besides, Israel has already stopped aid deliveries to Gaza amid the deadlock over the ceasefire.