Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said he wants to begin negotiations on the second phase of the hostage deal before day 16 of the ceasefire - as stipulated in the signed agreement.
According to the signed hostage deal, negotiations for the second phase will begin on day 16 of the ceasefire. The parties will have about four weeks to reach an agreement on releasing men under 50 who are still held by Hamas, in exchange for completing IDF withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.
In addition, as long as negotiations on the second phase continue - the ceasefire in Gaza will also continue - beyond the 42 days set in the agreement. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt committed in the agreement to work to ensure negotiations continue until an agreement is reached.
However, Israeli, American, and Qatari officials emphasize that negotiations on the second phase of the deal are expected to be very difficult and complicated, requiring strategic decisions from both Israel and Hamas.
Walla! contributed to this article.
