Qatar's prime minister urges Hamas and Israel to start immediate negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

 The second phase of the agreement is expected to involve Hamas releasing all remaining hostages held in Gaza.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani attends a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (not pictured), in Tehran, Iran, Aug 26, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Qatar's prime minister on Sunday urged Israel and Hamas to immediately begin negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, stating that there is no clear timeline for when talks will commence.

"We demand that Hamas and Israel engage immediately as stipulated in the agreement," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said during a press conference alongside Turkey's foreign minister in Doha.

According to the ceasefire agreement, negotiations on implementing phase two should begin before the 16th day of phase one, which falls on Monday. The initial accord, reached last month, has temporarily halted hostilities in Gaza. As part of the deal, Hamas has released 18 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

More than 70 hostages remain in Gaza.

The second phase of the agreement is expected to involve Hamas releasing all remaining hostages, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

"There is still no clarity on where the delegations will meet and when negotiations will take place," Sheikh Mohammed said.

Mediators have been in contact with both Hamas and Israel by phone, and Qatar has outlined an agenda for the next phase of discussions, he added.

"We hope to see movement in the coming days. It is crucial to act now to reach an agreement before day 42."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that negotiations on phase two would begin Monday in Washington, where he is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

During the meeting, Netanyahu will discuss Israel’s stance on the ceasefire. Witkoff is also expected to engage with officials from Egypt and Qatar, who have been mediating between Israel and Hamas with U.S. support over the past 15 months.