Israel and Hamas have expressed their readiness to proceed with the next phase of ceasefire negotiations as mediators work to extend the 42-day truce that began in January. A Hamas spokesperson indicated on Saturday that there were “positive indicators” for the start of second-phase talks, though no specific details were provided.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel has accepted an invitation from mediators, backed by the United States, and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday to advance discussions. Meanwhile, Hamas representatives are currently in Cairo, engaging in talks with Egyptian mediators, who, along with Qatari officials, have been facilitating the ceasefire negotiations. The goal is to build on the existing agreement and potentially move toward a long-term resolution to the conflict.
Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua reiterated the group’s commitment to negotiations that align with its demands and called for increased efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza and lift the blockade. The talks follow an invitation from international mediators, including the United States, and are part of a three-phase agreement, with the first phase already completed.
In parallel, Israel’s state television reported that the U.S. has proposed extending the current ceasefire for an additional two months in exchange for the release of 10 living prisoners held by Hamas. While Israel has agreed to the extension, Hamas has rejected the proposal, accusing Israel of attempting to deviate from the original agreement.
The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., took effect on January 19. It facilitated the release of 38 captives held by Hamas, including 30 living individuals, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. While the first phase saw significant progress, including the opening of the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas, the second phase has yet to begin. Israel has not allowed second-phase negotiations to proceed, and the first phase officially expired on March 1. Since then, Israel has suspended the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, escalating tensions.
Hamas, which still holds 59 Israeli captives, has stated its readiness to move forward with the second phase of the agreement. The group demands the release of all prisoners, including those held in Israel, in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, enabling reconstruction efforts in the region.
### International Support for Arab Reconstruction Plan
Meanwhile, international support has grown for an Arab-backed reconstruction plan for Gaza, which serves as an alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to take over Gaza and displace its residents. The Arab plan, endorsed by the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at an emergency meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aims to rebuild Gaza without relocating its 2.4 million inhabitants, who have endured over 15 months of devastating conflict.
The plan, ratified by the Arab League earlier in the week, has also received backing from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy. In a joint statement, the European nations praised the proposal as a “realistic path” for rebuilding Gaza while keeping its Palestinian population in place. They emphasized that Hamas must no longer govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israel.
Trump’s suggestion to turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” and forcibly relocate its residents to Egypt or Jordan sparked global outrage. In contrast, the Arab plan focuses on reconstruction under the control of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which has governed parts of the occupied territories since the 1990s.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty welcomed the OIC’s endorsement and expressed hope for broader international support, including from the United States. However, the proposal has been met with resistance from both Israel and the U.S., with State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stating that it “does not meet the expectations” of Washington.
### Pakistan’s Stance on the Crisis
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, addressed the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, emphasizing the need for the Muslim world to unite against any attempts to forcibly relocate Palestinians from their homeland. He described such actions as ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law.
Dar outlined Pakistan’s recommendations, including the full implementation of the three-phase ceasefire agreement, which calls for a permanent cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a comprehensive reconstruction plan. He also stressed the importance of ending Israeli aggression in the West Bank, reversing illegal land annexations, and upholding the legal status of Al-Haram Al-Sharif/Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Dar called for expanded humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and urged the international community to support UNRWA’s operations without obstruction. He condemned the deliberate targeting of aid agencies and emphasized that humanitarian relief must never be weaponized.
The deputy prime minister also highlighted the need for a credible political process toward a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. He urged the OIC to mobilize its influence to secure full UN membership for Palestine and hold Israel accountable for its actions through diplomatic, economic, and legal measures.
Dar welcomed the Gaza Reconstruction Plan prepared by Egypt, describing it as a balanced and practical approach to rebuilding Gaza. He noted that the inclusion of Palestinians in shaping their future added credibility to the plan and reflected the unity of the Islamic world on the Palestinian issue.
### Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Dar lamented the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza, where over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, and more than 90% of the territory’s infrastructure has been destroyed. He described the situation as an assault on the very existence of the Palestinian people and called for immediate and decisive action from the Muslim world.
While welcoming the ceasefire facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., Dar cautioned that the situation remains fragile. He strongly condemned the halt in humanitarian aid during Ramadan, calling it a war crime that exacerbates the suffering of Gaza’s population, most of whom rely on aid for survival.
Dar concluded by urging the OIC to act as a collective force to save Palestine and ensure a just and lasting peace in the region.
