Hamas reiterates need for second phase of Gaza peace deal

GAZA -- Hamas on Sunday reiterated the need to start the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and allow relief supplies to enter Gaza.

A delegation from the Hamas leadership met with the Egyptian side in Cairo, where issues were discussed "in a positive and responsible spirit," especially the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners in various stages, Hamas said in a statement.

The delegation stressed the need to adhere to the terms of the agreement and called for an immediate start of the second phase of negotiations, the reopening of border crossings, and the unrestricted entry of aid into Gaza, the statement said.

A three-phase Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on Jan. 19. However, negotiations for the second phase remain stalled after the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1.

Egypt has intensified diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and advance Gaza's reconstruction. On Tuesday, Egypt hosted an emergency Arab summit and proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza without displacing its residents.

In early March, Israel announced a decision to "prevent any entry of goods and supplies into Gaza" to pressure Hamas into accepting an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement reached in January.