Israeli Official: Hamas's Demand for Ceasefire Thwarts Prospects of Reaching a Gaza Truce
A top Israeli official stated that Hamas's insistence on a permanent ceasefire is hindering efforts to reach a truce in the Gaza conflict.
The official denied reports that Israel had agreed to end the war as part of a hostage release deal and rejected claims that Israel would allow mediators to provide Hamas with guarantees for a ceasefire.
Hamas negotiators have returned to Egypt to respond to a proposed 40-day truce and prisoner exchange deal.
The text describes the ongoing efforts by mediators to negotiate a new truce between Israel and Hamas, with a focus on releasing remaining hostages.
Thousands of Israelis rallied for their safe return, while Hamas reported no progress in the latest round of talks in Cairo.
Israel maintains that 128 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with 35 presumed dead.
Negotiations will continue the following day.
Israel has yet to send a delegation to Cairo until there is progress on the terms of a hostage deal.
The text discusses ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel for a potential hostage deal.
The main issue preventing an agreement is Israel's demand to send ground troops into Rafah, a densely populated city in southern Gaza, which Hamas and the US oppose due to the risk to civilians.
Expectations are for difficult and lengthy negotiations to reach a deal.