Khalil al-Hayya, head of the Hamas Movement in Gaza, announced on Wednesday that Hamas is prepared to immediately engage in negotiations for the implementation of the second phase of a peace agreement.

Speaking in a televised address, al-Hayya outlined the terms which include a complete ceasefire, sustained calm, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the finalization of a prisoner exchange deal.

Al-Hayya emphasized Hamas's commitment to the agreement, stating: "Hamas has proven, along with the resistance, its seriousness in implementing the agreement with full responsibility." He criticized Israel for allegedly procrastinating and avoiding negotiations on the second phase.

He further stressed the necessity of binding international guarantees to ensure that all provisions of the agreement are met, referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2735. "We continue to work tirelessly, day and night, across all fronts, especially with mediators Qatar and Egypt, to compel the Israeli occupation to uphold the terms agreed upon in the first phase," al-Hayya noted.

According to the Hamas leader, the Palestinian resistance will hand over four bodies of Israeli captives, including those from the Bibas family, on Thursday, February 20. In response, Israel is expected to release an equivalent number of Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, February 22. Additionally, six living Israeli captives, including Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengistu, are set to be released by the Palestinian side on the same day, with Israel reciprocating by freeing an equal number of Palestinian prisoners as stipulated in the agreement.

The completion of these exchanges is part of the first phase, with further steps planned for the sixth week of the agreement. (ILKHA)