Gaza Ceasefire's First Phase Ends as Future Negotiations Hang in Balance

UN urges continuation of fragile truce while Israel and Hamas remain divided over next steps.

The initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire, brokered in January, has expired, with further talks planned to coincide with the start of Ramadan.
Hamas has rejected extending the current phase, insisting on progressing to the second phase, which includes a permanent end to the war and prisoner exchanges.
Israel is seeking a 42-day extension of the first phase, aiming for additional negotiations over hostages and detainees while maintaining ambiguity about next steps.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for both sides to preserve the ceasefire, stressing the critical importance of upcoming days to avoid renewed violence.
A special Arab League summit in Cairo next week will address Gaza's reconstruction and broader regional stability, with Guterres expected to attend.