Gaza Strip, March 01 (HS): Israel has stated it will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, a key condition of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, even as it prepares for further negotiations in Cairo

Terrorist group spokesman Hazem Qasem has said in a statement that Israel wanted a 42-day extension in the first phase agreement.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Hamas spokesman Qasem said that Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase of the hostage agreement has been rejected. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel is ending on Saturday. The good thing is that no party has made any official statement regarding formally returning to the war.

Meanwhile, the US has approved a potential arms sale of about three billion US dollars to Israel. The US Defense Ministry gave this information on Friday. The Pentagon said the package notified to Congress goes beyond the standard legislative review process. The US State Department said it has approved a $2.04 billion arms deal with Israel.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar