Efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages have intensified, with talks resuming in Cairo on Saturday. Hamas confirmed its delegation was travelling in a 'positive spirit' after studying the latest truce proposal, expressing determination to secure an agreement that fulfils Palestinian demands.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that 'taking the ceasefire should be a no-brainer' for the militant group. The negotiations, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, aim to temporarily pause Israel's offensive in exchange for freeing hostages. However, a key sticking point remains whether the ceasefire would be permanent or temporary, with Hamas insisting on a commitment to end the war, while Israel is reluctant to agree while the group remains active in Gaza.
The proposed deal reportedly involves a 40-day pause in fighting, the release of hostages, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Despite the talks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated plans for a ground operation in Rafah, where about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter. The US has demanded a plan to protect civilians before backing such an offensive.
CIA Director William Burns has travelled to Cairo to help broker the talks, and Blinken visited Israel earlier this week. Meanwhile, hundreds of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, calling for hostage releases, with some accusing Netanyahu of undermining a potential truce. The war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then, over 34,600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
