Netanyahu wants to extend ceasefire agreement first phase - Media
Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. In addition, he intends to speed up the release of the six hostages scheduled for the next two Saturdays, The Times of Israel reports.
According to the source, Netanyahu wants to extend the current first phase beyond the 42 days that are scheduled to end on March 1. He also intends to secure the release of more hostages within the first phase, who, as Israel now knows, are in poor health.
The prime minister also wants Israeli parliamentarians to explain to Qatari and Egyptian mediators, with the support of the United States, that extending the first phase is also in Hamas's interest, as it will ensure a longer ceasefire.
The report also states that Netanyahu intends to achieve "Ramadan releases" - an additional first phase of hostage release timed to coincide with the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan next month.
At the same time, Israeli parliamentarians warn that if Israel does not start serious negotiations on the second phase, which, according to the agreement, should have started almost two weeks ago, the country risks jeopardizing the rest of the planned hostage releases under the first phase.
The agreement between Israel and Hamas
The agreement between the parties consists of three stages. The first stage is the release of 33 Israeli hostages, the second is the end of the war in Gaza, and the third stage concerns the post-war reconstruction of the region.
In early February, the media reported that negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza agreement were to begin on Monday, February 3, 2025.
