Israel is poised to initiate the second phase of Gaza ceasefire negotiations, focusing on the exchange of remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees and the comprehensive demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, as stated by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday. These discussions were anticipated to commence before the conclusion of the first phase on March 2; however, Qatar has indicated that official talks have yet to begin.

Saar emphasized that Israel would not accept a "Hezbollah model" in Gaza, advocating for complete demilitarization and opposing the presence of the Palestinian Authority in the enclave. He also acknowledged an alternative proposal from Arab nations aimed at countering U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to redevelop Gaza under U.S. oversight, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers worth exploring. Nonetheless, Israel remains opposed to transferring civilian control of Gaza from Hamas to the Palestinian

In a related development, an Israeli delegation arrived in Qatar on Sunday to engage in further truce discussions, coinciding with the military's withdrawal from a key crossing point in Gaza as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing diplomatic efforts involving multiple stakeholders to solidify a lasting peace and address the complex political landscape of the region.