Gaza: The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, maintains that its three primary conditions must be met to resume talks with Israel over a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, a prisoner exchange, the complete withdrawal of occupying forces from the Gaza Strip, and a commitment by Israel to not resume the war are the conditions outlined by Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem during an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher.

A phased ceasefire deal, which was mediated by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar, came into effect on January 19, effectively pausing more than 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The initial six-week phase concluded on March 1, after which Israel halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza without engaging in discussions for the second phase.

Hazem Qassem stated that consultations with mediators are underway to initiate negotiations for the next phase, noting that diplomatic activities are anticipated to increase in the forthcoming days. The progress of the discussions is contingent upon Israel's willingness to engage seriously with the mediators, Qassem added.

Hamas is firm in its rejection of extending the first phase and emphasizes the need for complete implementation of the ceasefire agreement, Qassem mentioned.

In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office disclosed that a delegation would be sent to Doha, Qatar, on Monday (March 10) to partake in negotiations with the mediators.