Hamas ready to engage in phase two ceasefire negotiations as ‘only way to free captives’

CAIRO – 27 February 2025: Hamas has confirmed its readiness to enter negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, just days before the current initial phase expires.

In a statement on Thursday, Hamas emphasized that negotiations and adherence to the ceasefire agreement are "the only way to release the [Israeli] occupation’s captives" still held in the enclave.

“Any attempts by Netanyahu and his government to backtrack on the agreement and obstruct it will only lead to more suffering for the captives and their families,” Hamas warned.

The movement reiterated its full commitment to all provisions of the ceasefire agreement.

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, which halted more than 15 months of Israeli war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, is set to expire on Saturday, March 1.

The second phase aims to establish a permanent cessation of the Gaza war, ensure a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, and facilitate the release of dozens of captives still held by Hamas.

Under the current phase, Hamas has thus far released 30 living captives taken from Israel, including Israeli civilians and soldiers, and Thai nationals.

Additionally, Hamas has released the bodies of eight Israeli captives it asserted were killed by Israeli bombardment in Gaza.

About 60 captives remain held by Hamas, with about half believed to still be alive.

In return, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including many detained during the war in Gaza which erupted in October 2023, while many others were serving life sentences.