Hamas has rejected Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire. The first phase is set to end on Saturday, and talks for the second phase are yet to begin.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said no discussions are happening for the second phase. He accused Israel of avoiding talks and trying to recover captives while keeping the option to restart the war.
Earlier, Hamas expressed its commitment to move forward with the second phase and confirmed it would adhere to all terms of the agreement. On Thursday, Israel met with US and Qatari mediators in Cairo, but no progress was made.
Concerns over continued ceasefire and humanitarian access
The second phase is meant to end the fighting, return captives, and withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel reports 59 captives remain in Gaza, with 24 thought to be alive.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel would extend the first phase if more hostages are released. However, Hamas is unlikely to agree to this.
Professor Sami al-Arian from Istanbul Zaim University said the situation remains unclear. US envoy Steve Witkoff favours extending the first phase, but Hamas won’t accept it.
Humanitarian groups stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire. The World Food Programme said it must hold, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the coming days “critical” for negotiations.
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum warned that military activity could increase if the ceasefire ends. He said mediators are working to prevent a return to fighting, which would only cause more damage to Gaza.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported over 350 violations by Israel, including air strikes and military incursions. The office also noted delays in returning displaced families and issues with aid distribution.
