Palestinians walk on a street among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa/File Photo
Israel and Hamas to Begin Indirect Negotiations on Second Phase of Ceasefire
Hostage Releases and Identification Process
Officials announced on Tuesday that Israel and Hamas will begin indirect negotiations on the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as the Palestinian militant group confirmed it would hand over more hostages, including the bodies of two children, this week.
- Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya stated that the bodies of four hostages, including those from the Bibas family, would be returned on Thursday, followed by six living hostages on Saturday.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the release deal, though it did not disclose the names of those involved.
- An Israeli official indicated that deceased hostages would undergo formal identification before being publicly named.
The Bibas family has been among the most high-profile cases of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack. Kfir Bibas (under one year old) and his four-year-old brother Ariel were abducted alongside their parents. Hamas previously claimed the children and their mother had been killed in Israeli bombardments, though Israel has yet to confirm these claims.
Negotiations on Second Phase of Ceasefire
The initial ceasefire phase, which began on January 19, included a 42-day truce with the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Despite challenges and accusations of violations, the agreement has remained intact.
However, discussions on the second phase—which involves the release of the remaining 64 hostages and post-war administration of Gaza—are expected to be more difficult due to stark differences between the two sides.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel will not accept Hamas’ continued presence in Gaza but left room for continued diplomatic engagement.
- Saar added that if negotiations were constructive, Israel might extend the ceasefire period.
So far, 19 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. If Hamas follows through with its latest announcement, six more hostages will be freed this week, along with four deceased individuals, leaving only four hostages still unaccounted for—all presumed dead.
Humanitarian Situation and U.S. Policy Proposals
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire following 15 months of conflict.
- An Israeli official confirmed that Israel will begin allowing mobile homes to enter Gaza to assist displaced Palestinians facing winter conditions.
- Hamas previously accused Israel of delaying aid deliveries and had threatened to postpone hostage releases until this issue was addressed.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire discussions have been overshadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians and redevelop Gaza as a waterfront zone under U.S. control.
- The plan has been rejected by Palestinian groups, Arab states, and Western allies, who argue it amounts to ethnic cleansing.
- Israeli leaders, however, maintain that Gazans who wish to leave should be allowed to do so.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to establish a government unit to facilitate the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents to third countries, though details remain unclear.
The upcoming negotiations will determine the future of the ceasefire, the release of additional hostages, and the long-term governance of Gaza.
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