GAZA -- Israel's obstruction of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement makes it impossible to extend the first phase, a senior Hamas official said Friday.

Taher al-Nunu, a senior Hamas official, said that "Israel's disruption of the second phase of the Gaza agreement does not allow for the extension of the first phase." (Hamas-Gaza Ceasefire-Extension)

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CAIRO -- An Israeli delegation proposed in Cairo extending the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement for an additional 42 days, an informed Egyptian security source told Xinhua on Friday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source noted the Israeli delegation also proposed that Hamas release three Israeli hostages on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, without specifying the number, along with the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery. (Egypt-Gaza Ceasefire-Extension)

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TEHRAN -- Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, has said it is a "responsible and essential" move for Tehran to maximize its defense capabilities owing to Israel's threats.

He made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X late Thursday while reacting to recent comments by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who had claimed that "Iran has enriched enough uranium for a couple of bombs," and threatened the country with a military action to stop its nuclear program, as well as the West's constant criticism of Tehran's efforts to increase its defense power. (Iran-Israeli Threats-Response)

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BEIRUT -- Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber revealed on Friday that the World Bank is working on establishing a 1-billion-U.S. dollar reconstruction fund for Lebanon as part of the ongoing efforts to support the country's economic recovery.

His remarks came after a meeting with Ousmane Dione, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region. (Lebanon-World Bank-Fund) Enditem

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