US confirms progress in Gaza ceasefire negotiations

The United States announced that talks for a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire are progressing. Hamas stated that Israel agreed to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the bodies of four Israeli prisoners. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has released 25 Israeli prisoners, while Israel has freed over 1,100 Palestinians. Negotiations for the next phase are expected to take place in Doha or Cairo, but Israel has not confirmed its participation. Hamas claims it is prepared to release all remaining prisoners in one go. The ceasefire has faced challenges, with both sides accusing each other of violations, but it has largely held since its implementation.