GazaGaza truce mediators Egypt and Qatar are asking Israel for more time to resolve a stand-off with Hamas over extending the ceasefire in the war-battered territory, sources familiar with the matter told The National.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says US envoy Steve Witkoff suggested an extension after getting the impression more time was needed for talks on a permanent ceasefire.

The military was supposed to begin withdrawing from that region in early March if the current ceasefire, which expires Saturday, were extended.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began Thursday in the Egyptian capital, Egypt said, averting a collapse ahead of Saturday's expiration of the agreement's first phase.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began Thursday in the Egyptian capital, Egypt said, averting a collapse of the agreement ahead of Saturday’s expiration of the first phase.

Israel announced on Thursday it was sending negotiators to Cairo for talks, seeking to extend a first phase of a ceasefire due to expire in two days, in the apparent aim of securing the release of more hostages while delaying any final deal on Gaza's future.

Israel’s government said early Sunday it supports a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza through Ramadan and Passover, though Hamas has insisted on negotiating the truce’s second phase instead.

The first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza that saw dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners freed is nearing its end - with Israel and Hamas split on the way forward.