Israel to Start New Ceasefire Talks Seeking to Disarm Hamas
- Foreign minister says negotiations on ‘phase 2’ truce to start
- Initial six-week deal paused hostilities in 16-month conflict
Heavily damaged residential buildings in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 17.
Photographer: Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Israel will start negotiations on a second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas as early as this week, aiming for the complete dismantling of the Palestinian group in Gaza.
Discussions to extend the initial six-week truce and secure the rest of the hostages held by Hamas will start in coming days, Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar said. Should the next stage of talks prove constructive, the current ceasefire framework may be extended when it expires in early March, he said told reporters on Tuesday.