Hamas has rejected Israel’s “formulation” to extend first Gaza ceasefire phase. The statement comes on the day the first stage of the deal expires, Al Jazeera reports.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Al-Araby TV there are no current talks for the second ceasefire phase in Gaza.

Officials from Israel joined mediators from Qatar and the United States in Cairo on Thursday for “intensive discussions”. However, those negotiations apparently bore no fruit.

Talks over the second phase of the ceasefire are meant to negotiate a comprehensive end to the fighting in Gaza, including the return of all remaining living captives and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.