The first phase of the Israel-Hamas truce is drawing to a close on Saturday, but negotiations on the next stage, which should secure a permanent ceasefire, have so far been inconclusive. A second phase of the fragile truce was supposed to secure the release of dozens of hostages still in Gaza and pave the way for a more permanent end to the war.

New tensions between Israel and Hamas are raising doubts about prospects for second phase of cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza.

Talks on phase two of the agreement to release all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops have barely begun.