Israel and Hamas Struggle to Define Next Phase of Gaza Ceasefire

Talks in Cairo focus on extending the fragile truce, with disputes over Israeli withdrawal and Gaza's future governance threatening progress.

Israeli and Hamas delegations are negotiating in Cairo to extend the six-week ceasefire set to expire on Saturday night, with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. facilitating discussions.
Key sticking points include Israel's refusal to withdraw from the Gaza-Egypt border, a condition Hamas says is essential for advancing the agreement.
The first phase of the ceasefire has involved hostage and prisoner exchanges, but both sides accuse the other of violations, including delays and military actions.
The second phase of the deal remains undefined, with contentious issues such as Gaza's governance, reconstruction, and the demilitarization of Hamas yet to be resolved.
Families of hostages and prisoners are anxiously awaiting outcomes, while both Israel and Hamas face internal pressures that complicate the possibility of a lasting agreement.