Gaza ceasefire in doubt with no negotiations underway for second phase

The six-week ceasefire in Gaza expired Saturday, with no talks underway for the second phase, Hamas said, accusing Israel of "evading the commitment to end the war and withdraw completely from Gaza."

The six-week ceasefire in Gaza expired Saturday, with no talks underway for the second phase, Hamas said, accusing Israel of "evading the commitment to end the war and withdraw completely from Gaza." 

“There are no negotiations” regarding the second phase, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Al-Araby TV on Saturday, adding that Israel's proposal to extend the first phase, “is unacceptable to us.”

Israel has not separately confirmed the latest developments in its negotiations with Hamas, and did not request for comment from NBC News.

The second phase of the ceasefire would have seen the release of additional hostages and prisoners, mark the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and ultimately lead to a permanent end to the war.

It was unclear what would happen next as the impasse continues, as the negotiations, which were set to begin weeks ago, have now surpassed the end date of the first phase of the three-phase ceasefire agreement.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/gaza-ceasefire-doubt-no-negotiations-underway-rcna193990

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