The Hamas is “ready to begin negotiations of the second phase” of the ceasefire with Israel in Gaza Strip, two officials of the Palestinian Islamist movement told Agence France-Presse, who asked not to be named.

The talks will focus mainly on “preventing a return to war, Israel’s military withdrawal” from Gaza, and “the criteria” for exchanges between the last Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, one of them said.

“We are waiting for the mediators to start the second phase,” the second clarified.

Meanwhile, the deputy head of Hamas’ political arm will lead a delegation visiting Moscow today, Russian news agency RIA reported yesterday, Sunday, citing a source.

A member of Hamas’ political bureau, Musa Abu Marzouk, and his delegation will hold negotiations at the Russian Foreign Ministry, the source from the delegation told RIA.

Russia has relations with all the major players in the Middle East, including Israel, Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.