The Israeli negotiating team is heading back from Gaza after Hamas rejected Israel’s proposal to extend the initial phase of the hostage-ceasefire agreement for an additional 42 days, according to Channel 12.
This development follows reports indicating that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu will hold a consultation session this evening with high-ranking ministers and defense officials to discuss the status of the hostage-ceasefire arrangement. It is noteworthy that such meetings are uncommon on Friday evenings.
An Israeli team that was sent to Cairo for “intensive” discussions on the future of the Gaza hostage-ceasefire with Hamas proposed extending the first phase.
However, Hamas is said to be against the proposed extension and is pushing for a transition to the second phase of the agreement as initially outlined. The second phase involves measures that would lead to a lasting end to the conflict, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
A diplomatic source revealed that the Israeli delegation was scheduled to return from Cairo on Friday evening.
{Matzav.com}