Israeli officials are reportedly pushing to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire by an additional six weeks, according to two Egyptian security sources. The Israeli delegation in Cairo is negotiating to prolong this phase, during which Hamas would release three captives weekly in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas opposes the extension and insists on moving to the second phase of the agreement as originally planned.  

A Hamas representative, Taher al-Nounou, stated that Israel’s disruption of the second phase makes an extension of the first phase unacceptable. “We are committed to the ceasefire agreement, and it is now up to the mediators to pressure the occupation regime to implement it,” he told Al Araby TV. Hamas also emphasized that negotiations for the second phase have yet to begin.  

Following the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the bodies of four Israeli captives, Hamas reiterated that the only way to secure the release of remaining captives is through negotiation and adherence to agreements. The group warned that any attempts by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to backtrack on the deal would worsen the suffering of prisoners and their families.  

Hamas called on mediators to pressure Israel to comply with the agreement and urged the international community to address the plight of Palestinian prisoners, who endure severe hardships in Israeli jails. The group criticized countries for focusing solely on Israeli captives while ignoring the suffering of Palestinian detainees.