Hamas’ Delegation Leaves Cairo, Cease-Fire Talks with Israel Unlikely Before Ramadan
Cease-fire negotiations between Hamas and Israel have hit a roadblock as Hamas’ delegation has left Cairo, according to a senior Egyptian official. This development makes it increasingly unlikely that a break in the violence will occur before the religious month of Ramadan begins on March 10.
The talks initially showed promise, with Israel agreeing to several of Hamas’ terms. However, Hamas then escalated its demands, insisting on a permanent cease-fire that would allow them to retain control of Gaza. Two U.S. officials familiar with the negotiations revealed this information on Wednesday.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, addressed the situation at an event in Israel, stating that it would be a mistake to assume that the negotiations are over. He emphasized that conversations are still ongoing and that the differences between the parties involved are being narrowed. However, he also acknowledged that an agreement has not yet been reached. With Ramadan approaching, the focus is now on whether a deal can be struck before the start of this important religious period.
The United States has been urging all parties involved to reach an agreement before Ramadan commences. However, as time runs out, the likelihood of a deal being reached by then diminishes. The urgency to find a resolution stems from the desire to prevent further escalation of violence and to provide relief to those affected by the conflict.
Officials have indicated that the U.S. and Israel have narrowed their focus to what was previously referred to as “phase one” of a three-step pact. This phase involves the exchange of several dozen hostages for at least six weeks of cease-fire. The agreement would prioritize bringing home the most vulnerable hostages, increasing aid to Gaza significantly, and potentially easing tensions in the region.
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas-led terrorists launched an unprecedented incursion into southern Israel from Gaza on October 7. Israeli authorities report that approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed, and over 200 were taken hostage as a result. In response, the Israeli military launched retaliatory airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 30,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.
A brief cease-fire agreement in late November allowed for the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. However, dozens of hostages have remained in captivity since the truce ended.
As the situation remains uncertain, the hope for a lasting cease-fire and a resolution to the conflict persists. The world watches closely as negotiations continue, with the goal of bringing peace and stability to the region.