CAIRO/JERUSALEM — Israel and Hamas indicated on Saturday 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.

Trump's special envoy said gaining the release of Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living American hostage held by Hamas, was a "top priority."

Hamas appears to be able to secure de facto ceasefires for Ramadan each year and not have to ever do anything in return.