Two Egyptian security officials claims that negotiations for a truce over the continuing Gaza conflict broke down in Cairo on Sunday because neither Israel nor Hamas agreed to the mediators’ suggested compromises.
The chances of a successful outcome in the US-backed endeavor to terminate the 10-month conflict is questioned in light of this setback.
Despite this, a senior US source called the negotiations “constructive,” pointing out that the goal of all parties involved was to get a “final and implementable agreement.”
Speaking anonymously, the person continued, saying that working groups will be formed to handle any outstanding problems and concerns as the process moved forward. The teams tasked with negotiating will stay in Cairo.
An deal to end Israel’s military operations in Gaza or to secure the return of hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 raid on Israel, which started the present war, has not been reached after months of sporadic talks.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in Halifax, Canada, that Washington was still “feverishly” trying to arrange a truce and a compromise with the captives in Cairo.
A major point of contention in the current discussions, which are being mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is the 14.5-kilometer-long Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt.
According to Egyptian reports, Israeli military have continued to maintain a presence in this corridor despite both parties rejecting many options to their presence. Israel has expressed worries over some Palestinian captives that Hamas has demanded be released, stating that in the event that they are released, they must depart Gaza.
Since Thursday, teams from Egypt, the US, and Israel have engaged in significant discussions aimed at resolving the outstanding issues.
Senior Hamas leaders met with Qatar and Egypt on Saturday to go over the idea in more detail. Israeli representatives entered the negotiations on Sunday, although it’s still unclear if much progress was achieved.