Hamas has rejected an Israeli request to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, demanding the immediate start of negotiations for the second phase. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that Israel's proposal to prolong the current phase was unacceptable.
Hamas says it is not willing to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, rejecting an Israel i request to delay negotiations on the second phase. Hamas fighters stand guard as an International Red Cross vehicle arrives at the site of the handing over of two Israel i hostages in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, as part of the seventh hostage-prisoner release on February 22, 2025.
"Extending the first phase of the deal in the format that Israel wants is unacceptable to the organization," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in an interview with Al Araby television. Qassem accused Israel for the failure to begin negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire which came into effect Jan. 19. The agreement, negotiated by Egypt, expires Saturday.Under the terms of the deal, fighting won't resume during the negotiations. Qassem claimed Israel wanted to get back the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza and then resume the war.
Phase two of the ceasefire deal would see the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a commitment to end the war.
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