Hamas disagreed with the plan to extend the first phase of the hostage, ceasefire deal and wants to proceed with the second phase as agreed, two Egyptian security sources told Reuters on Friday.
The Israeli delegation in Cairo was trying to reach a deal to extend the first phase of the deal for an additional 42 days.
The terrorist group released a statement earlier on Friday reiterating its proclaimed commitment to the deal.
"With the end of the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, Hamas affirms its full commitment to implementing all the terms of the deal in all its stages and details."
The terrorist organization added that it calls on the mediators, guarantors, and the international community to pressure Israel to "fully commit to its role to the agreement" and to immediately enter the second phase of it without any hesitation or evasion."
Taher al-Nono, a senior official in Hamas's political bureau, told the Qatari-based Al Araby Television Network that the terrorist organization demands "an immediate transition to the second phase," Walla quoted him as stating.
"We will not settle for an additional phase between the two phases, but want an immediate transition to the second phase of the agreement. The withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor is not related to the second phase, and we insist that the withdrawal from it be completed on the 50th day of the deal."
Possible extension
The possibility of a 42-day extension was reported earlier this week by The Jerusalem Post.
An extension would involve the release of four male hostages – who are all fathers – and others who are critically wounded, in exchange for prolonging the ceasefire during Ramadan, according to an official the Post spoke to.
The holy month is expected to begin on Friday evening.
The first phase of the deal expires on March 1, at which point Israel and Hamas would return to war.
Liran Aharoni contributed to this report.