Hamas Signals Readiness for Second Phase of Gaza Truce Amid Ongoing Mediation

Hamas stated on Saturday, March 8, 2025, that there are "positive signs" for continuing the truce with Israel in the Gaza Strip. According to a statement by Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif Al Qanua, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are continuing their efforts to finalize the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which initially took effect on January 19 and whose first phase concluded on March 1. A Hamas delegation met with Egyptian mediators on Saturday to discuss maintaining the truce in Gaza, following more than fifteen months of conflict that began with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The spokesman emphasized the necessity of compelling Israeli mediators to implement the agreement, stating Hamas's readiness to begin the second phase of the cessation of hostilities in response to the demands of the Palestinian people. Disagreements persist between Hamas and Israel regarding the process's continuation, which is intended to lead to a permanent ceasefire. Israel seeks to extend the first phase of the agreement until mid-April and demands the complete demilitarization of the territory, while Hamas insists on remaining in Gaza and demands the total withdrawal of the Israeli army, an end to the blockade, reconstruction, and financial aid.