Israel, Hamas signal readiness for next ceasefire talks as mediators push for progress

FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows houses destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip, March 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Al-Basos/File Photo

CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters): Israel and Hamas signaled on Saturday (March 8) that they were preparing for the next phase of ceasefire negotiations, as mediators pushed ahead with talks to extend the fragile 42-day truce that began in January.

Hamas said there were "positive indicators" for the start of the ceasefire's second-phase talks but did not elaborate. Israel said it would send a delegation to Qatar's Doha on Monday (March 10) to advance negotiations after accepting an invitation from mediators.