Gaza Gaza truce mediators Egypt and Qatar are asking Israel for more time to resolve a stand-off with Hamas over extending the ceasefire in the war-battered territory, sources familiar with the matter have told The National.

The military was supposed to begin withdrawing from that region in early March if the current ceasefire, which expires Saturday, were extended.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began Thursday in the Egyptian capital, Egypt said, averting a collapse of the agreement ahead of Saturday’s expiration of the first phase.