Israel faced sharp criticism as it stopped the entry of all food and other supplies into Gaza on Sunday and warned of “additional consequences” for Hamas if a fragile ceasefire isn't extended. Mediators Egypt and Qatar accused Israel of violating humanitarian law by using starvation as a weapon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office endorses extending Phase I through Ramadan and Passover. Hamas is ready to negotiate the next phase.

Intensive negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire enter their second phase, as Israel, Hamas, and mediating nations discuss terms. Complexities arise over strategic territorial control, hostage exchanges, and humanitarian aid.

The first phase of the ceasefire, which paused 15 months of war, freed Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and enabled more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, expires on Saturday. The two sides seem willing to maintain their truce while negotiators from the U.S., Egypt and Qatar guide talks aimed at getting to the next phase.

The first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza that saw dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners freed is nearing its end - with Israel and Hamas split on the way forward.

Gaza Gaza truce mediators Egypt and Qatar are asking Israel for more time to resolve a stand-off with Hamas over extending the ceasefire in the war-battered territory, sources familiar with the matter told The National.