Hamas Says Talks Continue on Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire

(MENAFN) Hamas said on Saturday that it remains in communication with mediators regarding the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, while accusing Israel of undermining efforts to move the process forward, according to reports.

Hazem Qassem, spokesperson for the group, said discussions with mediators are continuing in an attempt to find what he described as “reasonable and acceptable” arrangements for the next stage of the agreement.

He said the ongoing contacts are focused on different aspects of implementing the second phase of the ceasefire deal, which took effect on 10 October 2025, but which Hamas claims has faced repeated violations.

Qassem accused Israel of acting against the agreement through military operations and political statements, saying the process was being deliberately undermined.

“Israel is turning against the agreement,” he said, referring to Israeli statements about expanding territorial control inside Gaza.

He pointed to Israeli announcements indicating plans to extend control over large parts of the enclave, which Hamas says would effectively amount to displacement of the population.

According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said that Israeli forces already control about 60% of Gaza and suggested that this could expand to around 70% in the near future.

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