Indirect Israel-Hamas talks on hostage deal’s second phase have begun in Cairo — Egypt

By AP 27 February 2025, 9:55 pm

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Egypt says negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal have begun in Cairo.

Officials from Israel, Qatar and the US have started “intensive discussions” on the second phase of the ceasefire, Egypt’s state information service said in a statement.

It’s unclear whether there are any US representatives actually present, though, as Washington’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff is not due in the region until next week, at the earliest.

“The mediators are also discussing ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population and support stability in the region,” the Egyptian statement says.