The first phase of the Israel-Hamas truce is due to expire today, but negotiations on the next stage, which should secure a permanent ceasefire, have so far been inconclusive, AFP reports.

The second phase of the fragile truce, which was brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt after months of gruelling negotiations, should begin tomorrow, and should secure the release of dozens of hostages still in Gaza.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to hold a ministerial meeting with security officials, according to Israeli media, after he sent a delegation to Egypt for discussions on phase two of the truce.

However, there was no sign of consensus, or of a presence of a Hamas delegation in the Egyptian capital.