Israel-Gaza war: latest truce talks end with no breakthrough, Ramadan just days away
- Days of negotiations with Hamas over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages ended less than a week before Ramadan, the informal deadline for a deal
- The US, Qatar and Egypt have spent weeks trying to broker an agreement in which Hamas would release up to 40 hostages in return for a month-long ceasefire
Three days of negotiations with Hamas over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages ended on Tuesday without a breakthrough, Egyptian officials said, less than a week before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the informal deadline for a deal.
The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent weeks trying to broker an agreement in which Hamas would release up to 40 hostages in return for a month-long ceasefire, the release of some Palestinian prisoners and an influx of aid to address the humanitarian catastrophe in the isolated territory.
Two Egyptian officials said the latest round of discussions had ended. They said Hamas presented a proposal that mediators would discuss with Israel in the coming days.
Hamas has refused to release all the estimated 100 hostages it holds, and the remains of around 30 more, unless Israel ends its offensive, withdraws from the territory and releases numerous Palestinian prisoners, including senior militants serving life sentences.
Jihad Taha, a Hamas spokesperson, said the negotiations were ongoing but “the ball is in the Israeli court.” He said Israel had thus far refused Hamas’ demands for people who fled northern Gaza to be allowed to return and for guarantees of a ceasefire and full withdrawal.