Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, has demanded that Israel withdraw troops from the so-called Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, in line with its obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire deal.

“Reports indicate new proposals are being presented aimed at circumventing the Gaza agreement,” Qassem told AFP.

“Meetings are continuing with mediators in Doha. We adhere to what was agreed upon and to entering into the second phase,” he added.

But Qassem insisted that Israel must also fulfil its obligations of “withdrawing from the entire Gaza Strip”, according to AFP, and “begin the withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor” for any second phase deal to end the war.

“Israel has not implemented the humanitarian protocol of the Gaza agreement,” he added. “We do not want to return to war again, and if the occupation resumes its aggression, we have no choice but to defend our people.”