Are we going to war?” asks a worried Cairo saleswoman upon learning that she’s speaking to a journalist. The ominous question about the prospect of war between Egypt and Israel has crept into many conversations in the country.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began Thursday in the Egyptian capital, Egypt said, averting a collapse of the agreement ahead of Saturday’s expiration of the first phase.

A plan for Gaza’s long-term future created by Egypt calls for the exclusion of Hamas from the governing body once the war ends. Egyptian leaders presented the plan to Arab leaders from around the region in Cairo on Tuesday.