Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire [1], insisting that negotiations must shift toward a permanent end to the war, reports The Media Line staff. Talks in Cairo, involving Israeli and Hamas representatives along with regional mediators, failed to produce an agreement. A Hamas spokesperson accused Israel of delaying progress, while Israeli officials declined to comment on whether they would engage in further negotiations.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, is set to expire on Saturday. It has allowed for a temporary halt in fighting, the release of 33 Israeli hostages and eight bodies, and the exchange of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas claims 59 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza and alleges that Israel aims to secure their release before resuming military operations.
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Hamas demands that the next phase of the deal include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and an end to all military actions. Israeli officials have not publicly responded to these terms.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a deadly cross-border attack that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken. Israel’s military campaign in response has resulted in massive destruction in Gaza.
For more details on the stalled negotiations and their potential consequences, read the full article [1].