This is an entry from: Live: Israel kills more than 430 Palestinians on Tuesday
‘We are moving to the second phase of deal,’ Hamas spokesperson says
13 March 2025 21:44 GMT
Hamas has dismissed reports about extending the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as part of a temporary deal to release more Israeli captives.
“We are committed to what has already been agreed upon and moving to the second phase of the deal,” Hazem Qassem, the group’s spokesman said on Thursday.
His remarks come as Israeli media reports that the US aims to extend the truce’s first stage.
Israel and Hamas are currently resuming a new round of ceasefire talks in Doha.
Hazem says Hamas asks for the war to be brought to an end with a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip.
“We don’t want to return to war again, but if the [Israeli] occupation renews its aggression, we would have no choice but to defend our people,” he added.