On Thursday, February 27, Israel announced it was sending negotiators to Cairo for talks aimed at extending the first phase of the ceasefire, which is set to expire in two days.
The discussions are focused on securing the release of additional hostages while postponing any final agreement on Gaza’s future.
This development follows Hamas’s handover of the bodies of four hostages, the last to be released under the terms of the six-week ceasefire that began on January 19.
Negotiations for a second phase, which could eventually lead to a permanent end to the conflict, have not yet started.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the delegation would travel to Egypt to explore the possibility of extending the truce. He said, “We are ready to make the framework longer in return for the release of more hostages. If it is possible, we’ll do that.”
Israeli officials confirmed that they are seeking an extension of the initial phase, with Hamas releasing three hostages each week in exchange for Palestinians held by Israel.
Neither Hamas nor Israel have clarified what will happen if the ceasefire expires on Saturday without an agreement.
Egypt and Qatar are mediating the talks, with support from the United States.
The first phase of the ceasefire saw the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails.
