Gaza Cease-fire Talks in Cairo End Without Breakthrough
Efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas continue to face major obstacles following talks in Cairo that ended Sunday without a breakthrough. The negotiations, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, aimed to end the 10-month conflict in Gaza and secure the release of more than 100 hostages held by Hamas since their October 7 attack on Israel. However, neither side has agreed to key compromises, prolonging the war.
Central to the stalled discussions is the issue of Israeli military presence in the strategic Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s southern border and the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza. These narrow strips of land have been heavily contested, with Israel seeking to maintain a security foothold in the areas. Mediators have proposed alternatives to Israeli troops occupying the corridors, but these proposals have so far failed to satisfy either party.
Another significant sticking point is the fate of Palestinian detainees. Hamas demands the release of several prisoners, but Israel insists that those released must leave Gaza entirely. Additionally, Israel has introduced new conditions for displaced Palestinians returning to northern Gaza, including security screenings, further complicating negotiations. Hamas officials have accused Israel of backtracking on previously agreed terms. “We will not accept discussions about retractions from what we agreed to on July 2 or new conditions,” Hamas official Osama Hamdan said in a statement to Al-Aqsa TV.
Despite the lack of progress, US officials maintain that the talks have been constructive. According to a senior US official, discussions will continue in the coming days through working groups to address remaining issues and finalize details. Both the Israeli and Hamas delegations have left Cairo, with the Israelis returning to Jerusalem to consult with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hebrew media reports suggest that pressure is mounting on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to accept a deal.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking at a news conference in Halifax, Canada, stated that Washington remains “feverishly” engaged in the talks. He emphasized that the US is committed to achieving a final agreement that will not only halt the fighting but also lead to the release of hostages. Negotiators remain hopeful but acknowledge that significant hurdles still exist. Discussions are expected to resume soon, but the timeline for reaching a cease-fire remains unclear.
