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The Israeli negotiating team is returning from Cairo after Hamas rejected a proposal to extend the first phase of the ongoing hostage-ceasefire agreement by an additional 42 days, according to a report by Channel 12.

The delegation had been sent to the Egyptian capital for intensive talks aimed at advancing the deal, which seeks to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

However, Hamas is reportedly insisting on moving to the second phase of the agreement, which would involve steps towards a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The return of the Israeli delegation comes ahead of urgent consultations to be held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with senior ministers and defence officials.

It is unusual for such meetings to take place on a Friday evening during the Jewish Sabbath, signalling the gravity of the situation.

A diplomatic source confirmed that the Israeli team would return home on Friday night.

The stalled negotiations have sparked growing public pressure on the Israeli government. On 22 February 2025, protesters gathered at Begin Gate in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of all remaining hostages. Some demonstrators criticised Prime Minister Netanyahu, with signs reading: “The defender of Israel he is not.”