Israel and Hamas have signaled they were preparing for the next phase of ceasefire negotiations, as mediators pushed ahead with talks to extend the fragile 42-day truce that began in January.

The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a drone that had crossed into Gaza from Israel, along with "several suspects" attempting to retrieve it in what was described as a botched smuggling operation.

Israel says it will send a delegation to Qatar on Monday "in an effort to advance the negotiations" around the ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas show positive signs in ceasefire talks with U.S.-backed mediators, aiming to advance negotiations in Gaza.

Hamas's demands for the second phase include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, the reconstruction of the territory and financial support, an official told AFP.

The statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office gave no details except to say it had “accepted the invitation of U.S.-backed mediators.”

CAIRO: An Israeli airstrike killed two Palestinians in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday (Mar 8), medical sources said, as mediators pushed

CAIRO: Israel and Hamas signalled on Saturday (Mar 8) they were preparing for the next phase of ceasefire negotiations, as mediators pushed ahead with talks to extend the fragile 42-day truce