The initial stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which came into effect on January 19, is set to conclude on Saturday, with the two parties still deliberating on subsequent measures.

In accordance with the agreement terms, fighting in Gaza is to continue being halted as long as the two sides engage in negotiations for a subsequent phase.

Negotiators from Israel were in Cairo on Thursday to discuss the truce with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, following a visit from Hamas officials the previous week.

Hamas has rejected extending the initial phase of the ceasefire, advocating for a direct transition to the second phase to permanently cease the Gaza conflict. Conversely, Israel is seeking a 42-day extension of the first phase.

The ceasefire was implemented after 15 months of bombardment, during which over 60% of Gaza’s buildings were destroyed. This was part of an Israeli military operation in response to an attack by Hamas and other Gaza-based militant organizations on October 7, 2023.

In this attack, approximately 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage into Gaza. The subsequent Israeli army operation has resulted in the deaths of about 48,000 individuals in Gaza.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/first-phase-of-israel-hamas-truce-set-to-expire/a-71791093?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf