Israel and Hamas have been in talks, as the first phase of their ceasefire agreement expires on Saturday.
Hamas has released 33 hostages in the first stage, which has lasted six weeks, and Israel has set free many Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
As the end of the first phase is nearing, the two sides are continuing to discuss future steps in Egypt, which is serving as a mediator.
Hamas seeks to move to the second phase, in which the Palestinian group is supposed to release the remaining 59 hostages in return for the Israeli military's complete withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent end to the fighting.
Israel is reluctant to do so, saying that withdrawing its military may allow Hamas to rearm. It hopes to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by another six weeks and secure the release of more hostages during that period.
Israeli media outlets have reported that the ceasefire will be maintained as long as the talks continue.
At issue is whether Israel and Hamas will be able to reach a compromise.
Hamas has released 33 hostages in the first stage, which has lasted six weeks, and Israel has set free many Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
As the end of the first phase is nearing, the two sides are continuing to discuss future steps in Egypt, which is serving as a mediator.
Hamas seeks to move to the second phase, in which the Palestinian group is supposed to release the remaining 59 hostages in return for the Israeli military's complete withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent end to the fighting.
Israel is reluctant to do so, saying that withdrawing its military may allow Hamas to rearm. It hopes to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by another six weeks and secure the release of more hostages during that period.
Israeli media outlets have reported that the ceasefire will be maintained as long as the talks continue.
At issue is whether Israel and Hamas will be able to reach a compromise.
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Summary
Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks continue as the initial phase ends, with Hamas releasing 33 hostages and Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners. Both sides are discussing future steps in Egypt, mediator, with Hamas aiming to enter second phase (release of remaining 59 hostages) in exchange for Israeli
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ID: b8d565ca-30c4-407c-8f98-bd6f674750fa
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250301_12/
Date: March 1, 2025
Created: 2025/03/03 07:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 05:51
Last Read: 2025/03/03 07:46