Israel has decided not to send a high-level delegation to Cairo to discuss a cessation of hostilities with the Islamic organization Hamas.
The main mediators, the United States, Egypt and Qatar, aim to force Israel to suspend fighting in Gaza and release some Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of hostages by Hamas. Talks about a cessation of fighting also mean ensuring more aid to Gaza.
Israel has said it will not send a negotiating team to Cairo until Hamas presents a list of Israeli hostages it intends to release. According to Israeli media, the government wants to obtain information about the health of the hostages and the number of survivors.
In Gaza, hunger among residents is rapidly worsening. There is also less than a week left until the start of Ramadan (Islam’s fasting month).
Bloomberg TV report on talks between Israel and Hamas to halt fighting
Source: Bloomberg
Hamas officials said on the 3rd that an agreement could be reached in one or two days if Israel accepts Hamas’ demands. However, several Israeli officials say some of Hamas’s demands are unacceptable. Israeli officials say Hamas wants militants to return to northern Gaza and there are too many Palestinian prisoners demanding their release.
U.S. officials say Israel has released about 35 of the roughly 100 hostages still believed to be alive, has significantly increased aid trucks to Gaza and taken hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. They basically agreed to a six-week hiatus in exchange for the release of the US Army.
Israel accepts 6-week cessation of fighting, conditions for release of women and sick hostages (2)
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">Original title:Gaza Cease-Fire Talks Bogged Down as Hunger and Pressure Grow(excerpt)
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2024-03-04 14:35:39
