Discussions on Gaza ceasefire advancements took place involving U.S. envoy Witkoff and Hamas, with positive indications for a second phase. President Trump issued threats against Hamas, demanding the release of hostages. The blockade by Israel raises humanitarian concerns for Gazans as negotiations continue.
On Wednesday night, discussions took place involving U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas leaders, and mediators from Egypt and Qatar, as reported by two Egyptian sources to Reuters. The talks focused on post-war governance of Gaza, including potential leaders for the territory. Sources indicate that these discussions concluded favorably, suggesting an impending transition to a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Hamas criticized President Trump, asserting that his repeated threats against Palestinians bolster Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reluctance to comply with the ceasefire and could escalate the siege of Gaza. Trump’s ultimatum demanded Hamas to “release all of the hostages now, not later,” including deceased individuals, stating, “or it is OVER for you.”
According to Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua, the optimal route for the release of remaining Israeli prisoners lies in Hamas transitioning into the second phase of negotiations, compelling compliance to the previously established agreement with mediators.
The Gaza ceasefire deal, effective since January, mandates the release of remaining hostages during a second phase, concurrently with final negotiations to conclude the conflict. Following the first phase’s conclusion, Israel has since instituted a comprehensive blockade on goods entering Gaza, insisting on hostage releases as a precursor to war negotiations.
This blockade has raised concerns among Palestinians about exacerbating starvation for the population of 2.3 million living amid the destruction of Gaza. Trump’s threats followed a White House meeting with previously released hostages from the first phase of the deal, where he asserted, “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job; not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
He further warned the people of Gaza, stating, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
In summary, recent discussions concerning the Gaza ceasefire indicate progress towards a second phase, while President Trump’s firm stance and threats against Hamas and the Palestinian population cast a shadow over the situation. As negotiations unfold, the impending blockade raises urgent humanitarian concerns for the people of Gaza.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
