Tue Feb 18 11:25:14 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire: Israel Demands Demilitarization for Second Phase Talks
**JERUSALEM, February 18, 2025** – Israel has announced it will begin negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, focusing on a prisoner exchange and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated on Tuesday that Israel’s key demand is the complete demilitarization of Gaza, rejecting any scenario that mirrors Hezbollah’s model or leaves the Palestinian Authority in control.
While the second phase of negotiations was initially slated to begin before the March 2nd deadline of the first phase, Qatar reports that talks haven’t officially commenced. Mr. Sa’ar revealed Israel’s awareness of an alternative Arab plan for Gaza, designed to counter a previous U.S. proposal for redevelopment under American control. Israel, however, will not support any plan that transfers civilian control from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority. The discussions will involve an exchange of remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees.
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