Negotiators from Hamas will extend their stay in Cairo for another day, responding to the request of mediators. The ceasefire talks, which have entered their third day, aim to pave the way for the first extended truce in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
The proposed 40-day ceasefire holds significant implications. During this period, Israeli hostages would be released, and much-needed aid would flow into Gaza. The timing is critical, with Ramadan set to begin next week.
A Hamas official confirmed that the delegation would remain in Cairo for further discussions. “They are expected to wrap up this round later today,” the official told Reuters. Egypt’s Qahera television echoed this extension but acknowledged that the talks faced challenges.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim revealed that the militant group had presented its ceasefire proposal to the mediators. Now, they await a response from the Israelis. Notably, Israeli representatives have abstained from this round of talks.
“(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu doesn’t want to reach an agreement, and the ball now is in the Americans’ court,” Mr. Naim asserted. The pressure lies on the United States to push for a resolution.
A senior Israeli official refuted claims that Israel was obstructing the deal. “The claim is incorrect,” the official stated. “Israel is making every effort to reach an agreement. We are awaiting a response from Hamas.”
Earlier, a source revealed that Israel’s absence was linked to Hamas’s refusal to provide a comprehensive list of all hostages still alive. Mr. Naim clarified that such a list was impossible without a ceasefire, as hostages were scattered across the war zone and held by various groups.
