Israel ‘wants to extend first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal’ as talks stall

Israel ready to resume fighting if there is no progress in crucial talks this week, reports say

Israel is seeking to extend the first stage of the ceasefire agreement in the war with Hamas in Gaza and is prepared to resume fighting if there is no progress in crucial talks this week, according to reports.

Israel's Kan Radio, along with Ma'ariv, a daily newspaper, reported on Tuesday that informal talks were under way aimed at extending the first 42-day stage of the ceasefire, which expires on Saturday. Official internationally mediated negotiations on how to implement the second stage - which would involve a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory - were supposed to begin weeks ago, but have been repeatedly postponed as the fragile truce has lurched from crisis to crisis.