Israel’s Netanyahu says negotiations start Feb 3 for next phase of Gaza ceasefire
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to depart Israel on Feb 2 for Washington.
PHOTO: REUTERS
JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will start negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire when he meets US President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy, Mr Steve Witkoff, on Feb 3 in Washington, Mr Netanyahu's office said late on Feb 1.
Mr Netanyahu is scheduled to depart Israel on Feb 2 for Washington, where he is to meet next week with Mr Trump at the White House to discuss Gaza and the Israeli hostages held there.
During his meeting with Mr Witkoff, Mr Netanyahu will discuss Israel's positions in respect to the ceasefire, the prime minister's office said.
Mr Witkoff will then speak with officials from Egypt and Qatar, who have mediated between Israel and Hamas over the past 15 months with backing from Washington.
Israel and Hamas in January reached a complex ceasefire agreement, to be implemented in three phases, that has halted the fighting in Gaza.
Hamas has so far released 18 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians that are held in Israeli prisons and detentions.
There are more than 70 hostages still held in Gaza. REUTERS
