Hamas: We are waiting

Hamas says it is showing "flexibility" in negotiating a cease-fire agreement with mediators and is awaiting the outcome of efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States in negotiations with Israel, The Times of Israel reported.

The announcement emphasizes that the negotiations focus on ending the war, withdrawing Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, as well as rebuilding the enclave.

Today, Israel will send a delegation to Doha for a new round of negotiations on extending the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19, ended on March 1 without agreement on the next phases that could secure a permanent end to the war.

Talks on the terms of a potential second phase were set to begin on February 3, but Israel has largely refused to engage in them.

Hamas has repeatedly demanded a move to a second phase of the deal that would include the release of the 24 remaining hostages alive in exchange for a permanent end to the war.

Hamas still holds 35 bodies - 34 hostages kidnapped on October 7, 2023 in southern Israel and the remains of a soldier killed in 2014.

Israel and the US have demanded an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire and the release of hostages, without initiating a permanent end to the war against Hamas.