The first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza that saw dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners freed is nearing its end - with Israel and Hamas split on the way forward.

There was no sign of consensus after 'intensive talks' in Cairo on the second phase of the ceasefire. A Hamas spokesperson called on mediators to follow the agreement.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began Thursday in the Egyptian capital, Egypt said, averting a collapse ahead of Saturday's expiration of the agreement's first phase.