Negotiations between Israel and Hamas hit a roadblock on Sunday, with mediators struggling to bridge remaining gaps and a Hamas delegation leaving the talks in Cairo. The impasse comes after months of slow progress in discussions aimed at achieving a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
While signs of progress had emerged in recent days, the main obstacle in the talks was the duration of a cease-fire, with Hamas pushing for a permanent halt to the fighting while Israel was only open to a temporary agreement. The situation escalated over the weekend, leading to a setback that dashed hopes for immediate relief for Palestinians in Gaza and families of hostages held by militants.
Hamas officials blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the lack of progress, accusing him of narrow-mindedness and threatening to invade Rafah, the southernmost town in the Gaza Strip, with or without an agreement. On the other hand, Israeli officials claimed that Hamas had hardened its demands in response to Netanyahu’s statements about potential military action in Rafah.
Despite the setback, two U.S. officials suggested that the talks were still ongoing, with parties reviewing the details of the most recent proposals. However, fighting continued on Sunday, with Israeli strikes reported in Rafah and rocket fire near a crossing between Israel and Gaza.
The Biden administration has been urging Israel to avoid a major operation in Rafah, where a large number of Palestinians have sought shelter during the prolonged conflict. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation is set to convene in Doha to discuss the recent developments in Cairo and decide on their next steps in the negotiations.
As the situation remains tense and uncertain, both sides are facing pressure to find a resolution and prevent further escalation of violence in the region. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
