Talks Resume in Cairo for Second Phase of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Cairo — Negotiators from Israel, Hamas, the United States, and Qatar are back in Cairo for talks aimed at securing a second phase of the ceasefire, which mediators hope will pave the way for a lasting end to the Gaza conflict.

The renewed discussions, led by Egypt, come as the first phase of the truce is set to expire on Saturday. Egypt’s State Information Service confirmed on Thursday that “intensive talks” are underway to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire and the implementation of previously agreed terms.

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, breaching Gaza’s security barrier and killing 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. In response, Israel launched a military offensive that has resulted in over 48,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry—figures that the UN has deemed reliable.

Israeli Military Admits “Complete Failure” in October 7 Attack

The renewed peace efforts coincide with a damning internal Israeli army investigation, released on Thursday, which acknowledged the military’s “complete failure” to prevent the Hamas attack.

“Too many civilians died that day asking themselves, ‘Where was the IDF?’” a military official told reporters. Another senior official admitted the military was “overconfident” and underestimated Hamas’s capabilities.

Following the release of the report, Israeli military chief General Herzi Halevi took responsibility, saying, “The responsibility is mine.” Halevi had already announced his resignation last month, citing the failures of October 7.

Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Marks End of Truce’s First Phase

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas returned the remains of four Israeli hostages on Thursday, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent negotiators to Cairo shortly after.

Since the truce began on January 19, Hamas has released 25 living hostages and returned the bodies of eight others. Additionally, five Thai hostages were freed outside the official agreement. In return, Israel agreed to release around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.

Among those freed was Nael Barghouti, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner in Israel, who was arrested in 1978 and sentenced to life for the murder of an Israeli officer and attacks on Israeli sites.

Following his release, Barghouti expressed his relief: “We were in hell and we came out of hell. Today is my real day of birth.”

The swap also drew emotional reactions from both sides. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel confirmed “with profound sorrow” the identities of the four Israeli hostages whose bodies were returned: Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mansour.

Meanwhile, some freed Palestinian prisoners were taken to hospitals in Gaza for medical assessments. Images from AFP showed them receiving treatment at the European Hospital in Khan Yunis.

Next Steps for Ceasefire Talks

With the hostage exchange complete, Hamas is urging Israel to return to negotiations for the second phase of the truce.

“We have cut off the path before the enemy’s false justifications, and it has no choice but to start negotiations for the second phase,” Hamas said in a statement.

The outcome of the Cairo talks will be critical in determining whether the fragile truce holds or if the region risks another escalation.