Israel Denies Second Phase Gaza Ceasefire Talks Are Underway

Official Statement Refutes Reports

A senior Israeli official has explicitly denied recent reports suggesting that Israel and Hamas have commenced negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The denial comes in response to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which indicated that such talks were underway. The official clarified, 'We are still in the first phase. We will talk about the second phase when we complete the first one.'

This statement underscores Israel's current focus on fully implementing the initial stage of the US-brokered deal, rather than moving on to subsequent phases.

Focus on First Phase Implementation

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement officially came into effect around October 10, 2025. This initial stage involves several critical components aimed at de-escalating the conflict and addressing immediate humanitarian concerns. Key elements of this phase include:

• A temporary pause in hostilities.
• The release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
• The release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
• An initial, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza.
• A significant increase in the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

As part of this phase, Hamas has released all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages, while Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The remains of some deceased Israeli hostages have also been returned. Mid-level Israeli officials are reportedly in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, specifically to ensure the return of remaining slain hostages and the complete execution of the first phase's terms.

The Broader Ceasefire Framework

The current ceasefire is part of a broader three-phase proposal mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. President Donald Trump announced the agreement on the first phase. While the first phase addresses immediate concerns, the potential second phase is understood to tackle more complex and contentious issues. These issues would likely include the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of an alternative governing authority in Gaza, and a more permanent cessation of hostilities.

However, Hamas has previously expressed opposition to certain terms envisioned for the second phase, particularly regarding disarmament. The senior Israeli official's denial highlights the delicate nature of the ongoing negotiations and the cautious approach being taken before advancing to the next stage of the peace plan.