Egypt, Qatar intensify efforts to save Gaza ceasefire

Egypt and Qatar are intensifying efforts to save the Gaza ceasefire deal, state-affiliated Egypt's Al Qahera news TV reported on Wednesday, citing an Egyptian source.

The ceasefire has looked increasingly fragile since Hamas said this week it was postponing the release of any more Israeli hostages held in Gaza, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

US President Donald Trump has warned Palestinians that "hell will break loose" if Israeli hostages are not released on Saturday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will resume "intense fighting" if Hamas does not meet the deadline.

Deadly war

Egyptian sources told Reuters that Qatar and Egypt were in discussions with Hamas and Israel to prevent the cancellation of the ceasefire deal and to ensure its completion.

A Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo to continue ceasefire talks, the Palestinian group said in a statement.

Egypt and Qatar alongside the United States brokered the deal that took effect on January 19 after more than a year of extensive diplomatic efforts.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 48,000 of the nearly two million Palestinians who live there, Gaza authorities have said.

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