Hamas pushes for phase 2 of Gaza truce talks
What's the story
Hamas reiterated its insistence on moving directly into negotiating the second phase of the Gaza truce.
The statement came after Israel announced plans to send a delegation to Doha, Qatar, for further talks.
Representatives of the Palestinian militant group met with mediators in Cairo at the weekend, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid to re-enter the besieged territory "without restrictions or conditions."
Negotiation terms
Hamas outlines demands for permanent ceasefire
Hamas has laid down its demands for the second phase of the truce, which seeks to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
These include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, the reconstruction of the territory, and financial support.
According to Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua, indicators were so far "positive."
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced it would send delegates to Doha on Monday.
Truce impact
First phase of truce led to exchange of hostages
The initial phase of the truce, which concluded on March 1 after six weeks of relative calm, saw 25 living hostages and eight bodies exchanged for the release of about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
The truce largely halted more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza and enabled the flow of vital food, shelter, and medical assistance into the territory.
However, after Israel turned the pipeline off again, UN rights experts accused the government of "weaponizing starvation."
Warning issued
US President issues warning to Hamas leaders
US President Donald Trump has threatened further destruction of Gaza if all remaining hostages are not released, issuing what he called a "last warning" to Hamas leaders.
He also warned all Gazans of possible consequences: "A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!"
In response, Hamas said Trump's threats would only encourage Israel to ignore the terms of their truce.
Hostage families' plea
Families of Israeli hostages demand full ceasefire implementation
Families of Israeli hostages have demanded the government fully implement the ceasefire at their regular weekend rally in Tel Aviv.
Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan Zangauker, warned that "the war could resume in a week," and urged that it "won't bring the hostages back home; it will kill them."
Recently released hostages have also joined those beseeching Netanyahu to implement the ceasefire.