The US ambassador to Israel confirmed on Thursday that “differences are narrowing” in the talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after a Hamas delegation left Cairo, expressing its dissatisfaction with the Israeli responses.
Ambassador Jack Lew stated at a conference in Tel Aviv, “I cannot tell you that (the negotiations) will be crowned with success,” but “the differences are narrowing,” stressing that “everyone is looking forward to the approaching month of Ramadan.”
In turn, a high-ranking official in the Hamas movement confirmed that its delegation left Cairo, where it was participating in discussions regarding a truce in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the initial Israeli response does not meet the “minimum” of what the movement requires.
The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that the Hamas delegation is leaving Cairo on Thursday for consultations, and is still awaiting Israel’s final response.
He continued, “(Israel’s) initial responses do not meet our minimum requirements related to the final ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of its forces from Gaza (…) and the return of the displaced to their homes and the start of relief, shelter and reconstruction, and this is what ensures sustainable calm.”
For its part, Israel demands that Hamas provide an accurate list of the names of the hostages who are still alive in Gaza. But Hamas said it did not know who was “dead or alive” among them.
However, the negotiations are not over yet, said another official in the Palestinian movement, requesting that his identity not be revealed. He added, “The mediators informed Hamas that efforts will continue to reach an agreement.”
In the face of the humanitarian catastrophe and massive civilian casualties, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt are trying to reach an agreement on stopping the fighting before the month of Ramadan, which begins early next week.
Since Sunday, representatives of these three countries have been discussing a possible six-week truce with a delegation from Hamas, but without an Israeli presence.
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2024-03-07 16:33:27
