Efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza have seen little progress, as Hamas insists on ending the war in exchange for releasing hostages, a condition rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Both sides have traded blame for the deadlock, with the Hamas delegation indicating they will leave Cairo truce talks for consultations, although Egyptian security sources suggest they plan to return on Tuesday.
Hamas negotiators have stood firm on their demand for a ceasefire that includes halting the war, while Israeli officials have abstained from the Cairo discussions.
Netanyahu has reaffirmed Israel’s objective of disarming and dismantling Hamas, proposing a pause in hostilities to secure hostage releases.
The likelihood of a ceasefire seems remote, with one briefed official suggesting that the current mediation round is on the verge of collapse.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has also cast doubt on Hamas’s readiness for a truce.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has stressed the group’s dedication to a comprehensive ceasefire, aiming to halt Israeli “aggression” and facilitate a prisoner swap.
The conflict has inflicted significant human tolls, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 34,600 Palestinians killed and 77,000 wounded.
International efforts to mediate a ceasefire persist, with Qatar and Egypt seeking to broker a follow-up to a brief November truce.
The United States has urged Hamas to engage in a deal, with CIA Director William Burns convening an emergency meeting in Doha with Qatar’s prime minister.
