Continuation of the truce in Gaza: “intensive discussions” in progress between Israel, Qatar and the United States

Israeli and Qatari delegations hold “intensive discussions” in Cairo on the next phases of the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, with the participation of American representatives, the press service of the Egyptian government announced on Thursday.

“The parties concerned have started intensive discussions to examine the next stages of the truce agreement, within the framework of continuous efforts to guarantee the implementation of the agreements previously concluded,” said the press service. Negotiators also discuss the means of “strengthening the delivery of humanitarian aid” to the Palestinian territory ravaged by 15 months of war, he added.

An uncertain second step

Israel announced Thursday the sending to Cairo of negotiators for talks after Hamas presented the previous night the remains of four hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as part of the first phase of the truce agreement which ends on Saturday.

A second stage in the truce agreement, which is to start on Sunday, provides for the final end of the war and the release of the last hostages selected in Gaza. But it promises to be very uncertain. The third and final phase of the agreement must be devoted to the reconstruction of Gaza, a gigantic project estimated by the UN at more than $ 53 billion.