Hamas urges global pressure on Israel to start second phase of ceasefire

Hamas said it is fully committed to the ceasefire and urged the international pressure on Israel to enter the second phase without any delay.

“We call on the international community to put pressure on the Zionist occupation to fully commit to its role in the agreement, and to immediately enter the second phase of it without any delay or hesitation,” the group said in a statement.

The first phase of the ceasefire ends on Saturday as the two sides’ representatives and mediators gather in Egypt for talks over the second phase. Egypt and Qatar are mediating the talks, with the support of the US.

Haaretz reported Hamas officials saying that there will be no captive releases until Israel agrees to end the war.