United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday night that an Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Doha or Cairo in the coming days to negotiate the second phase of the hostage deal.
"If things go well," he said during an event held by the American Jewish Committee in Washington, "I might travel to the region on Sunday."
Israel confirmed Tuesday night that the crisis that has brought the implementation of the hostage deal to a stall because of Hamas' parading of hostages has ended, and four deceased hostages will be returned as part of phase one of the deal.
Hamas confirmed that an agreement was reached regarding the release of terrorists from Israeli prisons after their release was delayed on Saturday, along with Palestinian female prisoners and minors. The Hamas statement noted that the agreement was reached during a visit by a terrorist organization delegation to Cairo. The delegation was led by deputy chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Khalil al-Hayya, who met with senior Egyptian officials. As part of this, Hamas emphasized the need for full commitment to all stages of the hostage deal.
Sources indicated that within the first phase, Thursday has been designated as the day for returning the remaining coffins of the deceased. It was also reported, in accordance with Hamas' statement, that female prisoners and minors from among detained Gazans would also be released.
