(Feb. 28, 2025 / JNS) — Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began late Thursday, Egyptian authorities said, in an “intensive” effort to extend the truce.

The talks come as Phase 1 of the six-week-old agreement is set to expire this weekend, with attempts being made to prolong it with additional hostage releases and continued humanitarian assistance to the war-ravaged territory as Ramadan is set to begin on Friday evening, depending on the sighting of the new moon.