US rejects 'impractical' Hamas demands as Gaza truce hangs in balance | BBC News

Balazs Barabas

Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, a Palestinian official has told the BBC, as the US accused Hamas of making "entirely impractical" demands at meetings in Qatar. Negotiators have been trying to find a way forward after the first phase of the temporary truce ended on 1 March. The US proposed to extend the first phase until mid-April, including a further exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel is yet to comment.