Gaza City: The Islamic Resistance Movement, also known as Hamas, announced today that there are currently no negotiations taking place regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, which involves the exchange of hostages and prisoners with Israel.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hamas Spokesman Hazem Qassem, in a statement to Al-Arabiya TV, reiterated the movement's rejection of extending the first phase "in the form proposed by Israel." He emphasized that the responsibility for the lack of progress in negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza agreement falls on the occupation.

The initial phase of the agreement, which lasted a total of 42 days, concludes today. While Israel expresses a desire to extend the first phase, Hamas remains firm on transitioning to the second phase, which aims to effectively end the conflict. This phase seeks to negotiate the cessation of hostilities, the return of all remaining hostages in Gaza who are still alive, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The first phase of the ceasefire, initiated on January 19, resulted in the release of 52 Israeli hostages and the retrieval of eight bodies. Additionally, as part of the agreement, Israel is scheduled to begin withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor, situated between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, today, with complete withdrawal expected within the next eight days.