In the first phase of the ceasefire, terrorist-stamped Hamas has released 33 hostages, including eight dead, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians who have been detained by Israel.
The phase expires on Saturday, but according to the agreement's terms, fighting should not resume while negotiations are ongoing about a second phase of the ceasefire.
Representatives from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and the USA have participated in the negotiations about the second phase in Cairo, Egypt. Hamas' case has been presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem says on Saturday that the organization has rejected an extension of the first phase in line with a formulation proposed by Israel.
The war started with Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, when more than 1,100 people were killed, most of them civilians.
