After six consecutive weeks of hostage releases in staged exchanges, no further releases took place today (Saturday) as Phase 1 of the agreement came to an end. During negotiations in Egypt this week aimed at renewing talks, Hamas rejected Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase by 42 more days. The offer included additional hostage releases in exchange for continued humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of more terrorists from Israeli prisons.
Hamas: “We Refuse to Extend Phase 1”
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Qatar’s Al-Araby TV today: “We refuse to extend the first phase. Israel wants to free its hostages while maintaining the ability to resume fighting in Gaza. There are currently no negotiations regarding Phase 2 with Hamas.”
Qassem added: “Israel bears responsibility for this. It avoided opening real negotiations, trying to buy time, and does not want to reach the phase of ending the war and fully withdrawing from Gaza.”
“No Ceasefire for Free”
An Israeli official responded: “We are willing to extend the ceasefire, but only in exchange for rapid, clear, and time-limited discussions on releasing more living hostages in the coming days.” The official further clarified: “There is no free ceasefire—it will only be granted in exchange for additional hostage releases.”
Talks to Continue with International Pressure
Negotiations are expected to continue tomorrow (Sunday) over the phone, with the U.S. pressuring mediators in Cairo and Doha to secure an extension of Phase 1, as Israel desires. Hamas, however, is demanding an immediate transition to Phase 2 of the agreement, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor and all of Gaza, along with a formal declaration of an end to the war, in accordance with the original deal’s outline.
