Hamas' announcement of a transitional government, which is in line with the Arab League's proposed plan for Gaza's future, came after a meeting between the terrorist-stamped extremist group and the Egyptian intelligence service in Cairo.
Hamas, however, sets out a number of conditions for the transitional government to be established. Negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire must be initiated, the border crossings to the Gaza Strip must be opened, and humanitarian aid must be allowed in without restrictions, they state in a statement.
According to Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, the movement has "no objection" to meeting with American representatives, as they understand that the US "has the power to put pressure on Israel". Talks about initiating negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire are ongoing, says Qassem, according to Haaretz.
On Monday, Israel will send a delegation to Qatar to continue negotiations on the ceasefire, writes The Times of Israel. The first phase of the ceasefire expired on paper a week ago, and since then, an uncertain stalemate has prevailed.
According to Israeli media, Israel has consistently refused to participate in talks about the second phase, as it would, according to the original agreement, imply a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel is also said to have been outraged over last week's news that the US had held direct talks with Hamas, writes The Times of Israel. On Sunday, Hamas confirmed to Reuters that several meetings had been held between Hamas leaders and Adam Boehler, the US envoy on hostage issues.
