Hamas says next Gaza ceasefire phase impossible without more pressure on Israel

Hamas called for ‘full implementation of all the terms of the first phase’ before moving forward (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

A Hamas leader has threatened to not move forward into the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement until more pressure is placed on Israel to open up a key border crossing, cease deadly strikes and allow more aid into the Palestinian territory.

The accusation came as Israel’s government said it was ready to move into the next, more complicated phase of the ceasefire deal – even as it had called on the militant group to return the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza.