Israeli delegation in Cairo to negotiate 42-day Gaza ceasefire extension

An Israeli delegation is currently in Cairo to negotiate a 42-day extension of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

According to Egyptian security officials, Israel is seeking the extension, while Hamas strongly opposes it and insists on moving directly to the second phase as initially agreed. The second phase is intended to introduce steps toward a permanent end to the conflict.

The first phase of the ceasefire is scheduled to end on Saturday, but the parties have not yet clarified what will happen if no agreement is reached by then.

Egypt and Qatar are facilitating the talks, with support from the United States. Israel’s proposed extension would see Hamas releasing three hostages each week in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Hamas, meanwhile, is urging the international community to pressure Israel to move to the second phase without further delay.