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Gaza ceasefire 'extended by a day' after Cairo talks | Gaza ceasefire 'extended by a day' after Cairo talks |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The Gaza ceasefire has been extended for a further 24 hour after talks in Cairo, Egypt says. | |
The truce was extended until midnight on Tuesday (21:00 GMT) to allow talks on a more long-term arrangement. | The truce was extended until midnight on Tuesday (21:00 GMT) to allow talks on a more long-term arrangement. |
However, Palestinian officials say discussions are continuing but that there has been "no progress" on reaching an agreement with Israel. | |
Officials say that 2,016 Palestinians and 66 Israelis have died since Israel began its offensive on Gaza on 8 July. | Officials say that 2,016 Palestinians and 66 Israelis have died since Israel began its offensive on Gaza on 8 July. |
In a statement minutes before the expiry of a previous truce at midnight on Monday, Egypt released a statement confirming both sides had accepted its request for an extension. | |
The previous ceasefire came into effect last Wednesday. | The previous ceasefire came into effect last Wednesday. |
Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would hit back hard if Hamas resumed rocket fire. | Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would hit back hard if Hamas resumed rocket fire. |
He said the military was "ready for all scenarios" and were prepared "for very resolute action if fire resumes". | He said the military was "ready for all scenarios" and were prepared "for very resolute action if fire resumes". |
Negotiating teams returned to Egypt's capital Cairo for indirect talks on Sunday. | Negotiating teams returned to Egypt's capital Cairo for indirect talks on Sunday. |
Palestinian negotiator Qais Abdul Karim said on Sunday that Israel was seeking guarantees that Hamas and other factions in Gaza would be disarmed. | Palestinian negotiator Qais Abdul Karim said on Sunday that Israel was seeking guarantees that Hamas and other factions in Gaza would be disarmed. |
Palestinians are calling for an end to the Israeli and Egyptian blockades of Gaza without preconditions, he added. | Palestinians are calling for an end to the Israeli and Egyptian blockades of Gaza without preconditions, he added. |
Hamas says it will not give up its weapons, while Israel insists it must maintain some control over Gaza's crossings to prevent the smuggling of weapons. | Hamas says it will not give up its weapons, while Israel insists it must maintain some control over Gaza's crossings to prevent the smuggling of weapons. |
Israel is also concerned by the import of building materials into Gaza, saying they could be used by Hamas to rebuild its tunnel network. | Israel is also concerned by the import of building materials into Gaza, saying they could be used by Hamas to rebuild its tunnel network. |
'Unprecedented destruction' | 'Unprecedented destruction' |
But Middle East envoy Robert Serry said on Monday that the UN was ready to oversee imports of construction material sent to Gaza. | But Middle East envoy Robert Serry said on Monday that the UN was ready to oversee imports of construction material sent to Gaza. |
Mr Serry said the imports were crucial after "the unprecedented amount of destruction" had caused an "unprecedented level of humanitarian needs". | Mr Serry said the imports were crucial after "the unprecedented amount of destruction" had caused an "unprecedented level of humanitarian needs". |
Approximately 16,800 housing units in Gaza had been destroyed, Mr Serry added, affecting some 100,000 Palestinians. | Approximately 16,800 housing units in Gaza had been destroyed, Mr Serry added, affecting some 100,000 Palestinians. |
In addition, he said more than 100 installations belonging to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees had been damaged. | In addition, he said more than 100 installations belonging to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees had been damaged. |
Are you in Israel or Gaza? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, including your contact details and using the heading 'Israel Gaza'. | Are you in Israel or Gaza? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, including your contact details and using the heading 'Israel Gaza'. |