Hundreds of Palestinians sat down together for the first iftar of Ramadan amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Saturday.
The first fast-breaking meal of the holy month took place amid concern that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could end, its first phase having expired on the same day. However, under the deal’s terms, fighting should not resume while negotiations are under way for a second phase, which could result in an end to the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the return of the remaining living hostages.
Officials from Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the US have been involved in negotiations on the second phase in Cairo. Hamas did not attend, but its position has been represented through Egyptian and Qatari mediators
Israel cuts off humanitarian supplies to Gaza as it seeks to change ceasefire deal
