Israel is set to initiate discussions regarding the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will involve the exchange of the remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees, as stated by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday. He emphasized that Israel is insisting on the complete demilitarization of the region.

Although negotiations for this second phase were expected to commence before the first phase concludes on March 2, Qatar has indicated that official talks have yet to begin.

Saar remarked during a press conference that a “Hezbollah model” in Gaza would be unacceptable to Israel, necessitating total demilitarization and the absence of the Palestinian Authority’s presence. He also mentioned that Israel is aware of an alternative proposal from Arab nations aimed at countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the redevelopment of Gaza under American oversight, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed interest in exploring. Saar further clarified that Israel would not endorse any plan that would transfer civilian governance in Gaza from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority.