JERUSALEM, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo later on Thursday for negotiations on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

The announcement came after the final exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners under the first phase of the truce was completed overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The 42-day initial phase of the three-stage agreement is set to expire on Saturday.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Israeli media that 59 hostages remain in Gaza and securing their release remains a top priority.

He said Israel would only agree to the next phase of the ceasefire if four conditions were met: the release of all hostages, the removal of Hamas from power, the demilitarization of Gaza, and full Israeli security control over the enclave.

Cohen added that U.S. support, including the resumption of heavy bomb shipments previously paused by the Biden administration, had strengthened Israel's position.

Hamas said it was prepared to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire. In a statement, the group said a lasting truce was the "only way" to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Enditem

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