Published: 21:00, February 18, 2025
Foreign minister: Israel to begin 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire talks
By Xinhua
Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar listens to his counterpart from Portugal Paulo Rangel (not in the photograph) during a joint press conference in Jerusalem on Feb 10, 2025. (PHOTO / AFP)

JERUSALEM - Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Tuesday that Israel would begin "this week" negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

During a press briefing, Sa'ar said the talks would include the exchange of the remaining Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.

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He said the decision to open negotiations on the second phase of the three-phase truce deal was made during a meeting of the Israeli Security Cabinet on Monday night.

"It will happen this week," Sa'ar said.

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Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, which has been in effect since January 19, Israel was supposed to begin the talks on the second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas on February 3.