Israeli delegation in Cairo for talks on 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire: sources

CAIRO - An Israeli security delegation arrived in Cairo on Wednesday to continue negotiations on the implementation of the second phase of the recently-reached Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage release deal, according to well-informed Egyptian sources.

The Israeli delegation includes officials from the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and Shin Bet security agency, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"The discussions focused on the execution of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, including the reopening of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing to allow the passage of injured Palestinians," the sources added.

The talks also addressed the presence of Israeli troops in the Philadelphi Corridor, located on the Gaza-Egypt border, with Israel seeking a partial withdrawal while Egypt insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from the area, according to the sources.

They added that the Egyptian and Israeli security officials discussed a further swap of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails as per the terms of the deal.

Israel and Hamas reached a three-stage ceasefire deal last week, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, after more than 15 months of fighting.

The current six-week stage of the truce deal, which began on Sunday, includes the release of Israeli captives from Gaza and Palestinians from Israeli prisons, as well as intensified humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.