Progress was stalled in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Cairo, attended by representatives from Israel, Qatar, and the U.S., alongside Hamas, according to a Hamas official on Monday. This followed Egyptian claims of advancement on the agenda.
Western nations expressed concern over the high civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to Israel's military actions against Hamas.
Teams from Israel and Hamas joined discussions in Egypt, spurred by the arrival of CIA Director William Burns, indicating increased U.S. pressure for a resolution to release hostages and provide aid to civilians in Gaza.
The Hamas official, preferring anonymity, stated that there had been no change in the talks, with no evident progress.
Despite six months of conflict devastating Gaza, leaving most of its population homeless and facing famine, Israel cautiously approached the negotiations in Cairo, with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz regarding them as the closest to a deal since a brief truce in November.
Hamas's seizure of hostages during a cross-border incident in October triggered the conflict, with negotiators aiming for the release of some hostages in the initial phase of potential agreements.
Sources in Egypt reported some progress, indicating concessions from both sides. Talks focused on a truce proposal staggered over three stages, addressing hostage release and a long-term ceasefire.
However, deadlock persisted over Israel's reluctance to end the conflict, withdraw its forces from Gaza, allow full civilian return, and lift the longstanding blockade for reconstruction, prioritized over Hamas's demand for prisoner exchange.
Israel maintained its stance on continuing the conflict until Hamas no longer posed a threat.
Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman emphasized the importance of negotiations focusing on the release of Israeli hostages.
The conflict's toll included casualties on both sides, with ongoing international pressure to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel's announcement of troop withdrawals from southern Gaza aimed to ease tensions, yet preparations for future operations in the area continued, particularly around the town of Rafah, a focal point for displaced civilians and Hamas combat units.
Amid ongoing conflict, efforts to retrieve bodies and stabilize affected areas persisted, with recent withdrawals reported from residential districts in Khan Younis.
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