The latest round of GazGazsTotal destruction in Gaza due Israeli ongoing attacks since 7 October Truce Ta Egypt, which resumed on Saturday in an effort to cease the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, has not yielded any positive outcomes. According to reports, the talks faced difficulties due to Israel’s reluctance to commit to a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas’s conditions for the deal included an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a definitive end to hostilities, both of which Israel has consistently rejected. Al Arabiya News reported that Hamas had agreed to increase the number of hostages released from 20 to 33 in the initial phase of any ceasefire agreement, in line with Israel’s demands.
A delegation from Hamas arrived in Cairo on Saturday to discuss potential truce terms with Egyptian mediators that would involve some hostages being returned to Israel.
As the discussions commenced, a senior Israeli official accused Hamas of obstructing progress by maintaining its demand for a complete cessation of the conflict, as reported by AFP.
The talks concluded for the day without resolution and are set to continue on Sunday, according to a senior Hamas source close to the negotiations.
This round of talks follows previous failed attempts, largely due to disagreements over Hamas’s insistence on a lasting ceasefire and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firm stance on eliminating Hamas forces in Rafah, a city heavily populated with displaced civilians.