Hamas Pushes for Phase Two of Gaza Truce Talks

But Israel maintains it wants an extension of ceasefire's first phase until mid-April

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PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - Hamas reiterated on March 9 its insistence on moving directly into negotiating a second phase of the Gaza truce, as Israel announced it would dispatch a delegation to Doha for further talks.

Representatives of the Palestinian militant group met with mediators in Cairo on the weekend, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid to re-enter the besieged territory "without restrictions or conditions", according to a Hamas press release.

The high-level delegation also stressed the need for "moving directly to begin negotiations for the second phase" of the deal, which will aim to lay the groundwork for a permanent ceasefire.

Hamas' demands for the second phase include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, the reconstruction of the territory and financial support, an official told AFP.

Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua said indicators were so far "positive".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, meanwhile, said it would send delegates to Doha on March 10.

Israel has maintained it wants an extension of the truce's first phase until mid-April.