Israel announced on Thursday it was sending negotiators to Cairo for talks, seeking to extend a first phase of a ceasefire due to expire in two days, in the apparent aim of securing the release of more hostages while delaying any final deal on Gaza's future.

By Emily Rose, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Jaidaa Taha JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday as a standoff over the truce that has halted fighting for the past six weeks escalated,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office endorses extending Phase I through Ramadan and Passover. Hamas is ready to negotiate the next phase.