Hamas and Israel say they're ready for more talks as ceasefire's first phase ends
Hamas said Thursday it was ready to begin talks on the second phase of a ceasefire after prisoners were exchanged for the bodies of four Israeli hostages.
Militant group Hamas said on Thursday it was ready to begin talks on the second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza after several hundred Palestinians were released from Israeli jails overnight in return for the bodies of four Israeli hostages.
In a statement early Thursday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had ordered a delegation of negotiators to be send to Cairo, Egypt the same day to continue talks.
It was the final exchange of the six-week first phase of a ceasefire that came into effect on January 19 in the war in Gaza.
Talks have yet to begin on a second phase, meant to lead ultimately to a permanent end to the war that began in October, 2023 when Hamas-led fighters stormed Israeli towns and Israel responded with a retaliatory assault that has devastated the enclave.
Hamas said on Thursday the only way remaining hostages in Gaza would be freed is through commitment to the ceasefire.
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