**Israel-Hamas Talks Hinge on Release of Remaining Hostages**
The past 42 days have been a rollercoaster of emotions, with uncertainty, hope, and grief dominating the headlines. The Israeli hostages, both alive and dead, have finally been freed, while Palestinian prisoners have also been released. However, negotiations for phase two are only just beginning, which includes the release of the remaining hostages as well as the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
**Israel’s Deliberations**
The Israeli delegation left Cairo in the evening after talks began, indicating that they would continue at a distance. According to reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold late-night discussions with senior ministers and intelligence chiefs. This unusual meeting was held on a sabbath, sparking curiosity among observers.
**Extension of Phase One?**
It appears that Israel is planning to extend the current phase by another six weeks to free more Palestinian prisoners and get back more hostages without withdrawing troops. The government is adamant that Hamas must lay down its arms and relinquish all authority in the Gaza Strip. However, they refuse to leave the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza Border, citing security concerns.
**Hamas’s Stance**
Hamas has announced that it will not extend phase one unless American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators can guarantee that phase two will eventually occur. The group seems determined to remain in Gaza, even if they are willing to give up day-to-day management to other Palestinian actors, including the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority.
**Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan**
Egypt is working on a reconstruction plan for Gaza as an alternative to Donald Trump’s proposal to take over the area and evacuate its civilian population. Western diplomats are skeptical that this plan will have the robust security and governance arrangements needed to meet Israeli requirements.
**The Stakes Are High**
This moment is crucial, with Israelis expecting the gradual release of their hostages. There are still 24 hostages believed to be alive and waiting to be released, with 39 more presumed dead. If the process grinds to a halt, public anger will increase, targeting both Hamas and the Israeli government.
**UN Secretary General’s Call for Action**
In a video released by Hamas on Saturday evening, five Israeli hostages were paraded before cameras, sparking outrage among Israelis. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged the parties to “spare no effort” to avoid a collapse of this agreement.
**A Bleak Outlook?**
It appears that the war will return sooner or later, leaving a devastating impact on the hostages and the two million Palestinians trying to rebuild their lives in Gaza under the fragile peace. A renewed conflict would be catastrophic for the areas in the middle of Gaza Strip, which have so far avoided the worst of the conflict.
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