Washington [US], February 17: Talks about the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and exchange of Israeli hostages for imprisoned Palestinians are set to continue in the coming week, according to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The second phase of the negotiations foresees the release of all remaining Israeli hostages who are still alive.
The talks are to continue at an undisclosed location, he said, following very "productive and constructive" telephone conversations with Israeli prime minister, Qatari prime minister and Egyptian intelligence chief, according to US broadcaster Fox News.
The three countries worked as mediators to help bring about the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage deal, which began on January 19 and is due to be completed on March 1.
Straight after Witkoff's statement, Netanyahu's office said the Israeli security cabinet would discuss the second phase on Monday.
He said he instructed a delegation of Israeli negotiators to travel to Cairo for talks on Monday. After the cabinet meeting, he said they would receive instructions for the second phase, which aims to bring the fighting to a definitive end.
Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners who want the war to continue. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
