As a result, Israel refused to even discuss the terms of phase two, which was scheduled to begin on February 3.
Nonetheless, the ceasefire remained in force for around two and a half weeks after the end of the first phase, as mediators attempted to forge fresh terms for the truce's continuation.
Last week, Hamas stated that it would release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and four prisoner bodies if Israel agreed to immediately begin talks on implementing the second phase.