End of ceasefire with Hamas: Netanyahu convenes government for security discussions.

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has decided to hold consultations with security service chiefs and ministers in light of the expiration of the ceasefire with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Efforts to extend the ceasefire were unsuccessful the day before.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing Reuters.

According to two Israeli officials in discussions with Western media, a delegation from Israel returned from Cairo (Egypt) without an agreement to extend the ceasefire in Gaza.

Officials informed Reuters that Egyptian and Qatari mediators requested some time over the next few days to resolve the "stalemate" regarding the ceasefire, which is set to expire on Saturday.

A Hamas representative told reporters that Israel aimed to extend the 42-day ceasefire, which was agreed upon as the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, until the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins this weekend.

At the same time, Hamas stated that the organization wants to move on to negotiations for the second phase, which would pave the way for a permanent end to the war.

Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza and the Release of Hostages and Prisoners

The relevant agreement, reached in January, halted 15 months of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. It also facilitated the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Furthermore, the agreement was supposed to lead to subsequent negotiations regarding the development of the ceasefire.

What Issues Surround the Extension of the Ceasefire

Israeli officials have previously stated that the official Jerusalem is prepared to resume hostilities in Gaza if all remaining hostages are not returned.

However, Israel and Hamas remain "far apart" in key issues during such negotiations, with each side accusing the other of violating the ceasefire. This raises doubts about the second phase of the agreement, which includes the release of additional hostages and prisoners, as well as steps towards a definitive end to the war, according to Reuters.

It is also noted that there are currently no signs of agreement either between Israelis and Palestinians or between Western and Arab governments regarding the future of the Gaza Strip. This particularly complicates efforts to achieve a long-term solution.

As a reminder, on February 26, American media reported that Hamas is strengthening its position ahead of a possible resumption of hostilities with Israel.

It was also reported that recently Israel accused Hamas of violating the agreement on the release of hostages.