Hamas, Israel begin talks to extend Gaza ceasefire

A senior Hamas official said a fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks began on March 11 in the Qatari capital Doha, with the Palestinian movement approaching the negotiations "positively and responsibly".

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CAIRO -

Israel has also sent a team of negotiators for talks aimed at extending the fragile truce in Gaza, but has so far not commented on the talks.

"A new round of ceasefire negotiations began today," Mr Abdul Rahman Shadid of Hamas said in a statement.

"Our movement is dealing with these negotiations positively and responsibly."

He added: "We hope that the current round of negotiations leads to tangible progress towards starting the second phase."

He also expressed hope that US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff would help "initiate negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement".

"The US administration bears responsibility due to its unwavering support for the occupying (Israeli) government."

The first 42-day phase of the truce deal expired in early March without an agreement on subsequent stages meant to secure a lasting end to the war, which erupted after Hamas' Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel.