"The second phase cannot begin as long as the occupation (Israel) continues to violate the agreement and evade its commitments," Hossam Badran, a member of the movement's politburo, told AFP.
According to Badran, Hamas has asked the mediators – which include Egypt, Qatar and the US – to increase pressure on Israel “to complete the implementation of the first phase.”
The ceasefire came into effect on October 10. The first phase of the agreement involves the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip to the so-called “yellow line” and an increased inflow of emergency aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this weekend that the first phase is essentially complete and that they expect to soon enter the second phase. According to Netanyahu, all that remains is for Hamas to return the remains of the last remaining hostage.
During the ceasefire, Israeli attacks on what are described as Hamas positions have continued in Gaza.
According to the area's Hamas-controlled health authorities, 377 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect. Three Israeli soldiers have been killed during the same period, according to the country's army.
