Israel to start negotiations for second phase of Gaza ceasefire, foreign minister says

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire will start soon. This phase aims for complete demilitarization of Gaza and will involve the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. Saar stated that Israel will not accept a "Hezbollah model" in Gaza and opposes any plan transferring control from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority. Discussions were expected to begin before the first phase ends on March 2, but they have not yet started. In related news, Israeli troops have withdrawn from most of southern Lebanon, allowing displaced residents to return to their villages. However, Israel will maintain a presence at five strategic points near the border and will respond to any violations by Hezbollah.