On Thursday, February 27, Israel announced it would send negotiators to Cairo for talks and seek to extend the first phase of the ceasefire due to its expiration within two days.
The negotiations are intended to ensure more hostages are released while delaying any final agreement on Gaza’s future.
This was after Hamas handed over the bodies of four hostages, and the last time was released based on the first phase of the six-week ceasefire that began on January 19.
Negotiations have not yet begun in the second phase and will eventually lead to a permanent end to the war.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters in Jerusalem that the delegation would travel to Egypt to see if there were common reasons to negotiate an extension of the truce.
“We said we’re ready to make the frame longer in exchange for more hostage releases. We’ll do that if possible.”
According to Israeli government officials, Israel is seeking to expand its initial phase, with Hamas releasing three hostages a week in exchange for Palestinians held by Israel.
Hamas and Israel have not clarified what will happen after Saturday if the first phase of the ceasefire expires without a deal.
Egypt and Qatar are mediating between Israel and Hamas with the support of the United States.
The initial phase of the ceasefire includes the transfer of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees detained in Israeli prisons.
