CAIRO. Hamas announced on Thursday that its delegation has departed from Cairo, signaling a pause in talks on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release, with negotiations set to reconvene next week. This development makes it highly unlikely for mediators to broker a deal before the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Earlier, Egyptian officials had indicated that negotiations had reached a stalemate due to Hamas’ insistence on a phased process leading to an end of hostilities. However, the possibility of a deal before Ramadan, which is expected to commence on Sunday, remained open, serving as an informal deadline.
Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha highlighted Israel’s reluctance to commit to guarantees regarding the cease-fire, displacement returns, and withdrawal from incursion areas. Nonetheless, he confirmed that talks were ongoing and would resume next week. Israel has not immediately responded to these remarks.
Efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to broker a six-week cease-fire and the release of 40 hostages held in Gaza have been ongoing for weeks. According to Egyptian officials, Hamas has accepted the primary terms of such an agreement as an initial step but seeks assurances that it will ultimately lead to a more enduring cease-fire.
The release of all remaining hostages by Hamas is contingent upon a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Currently, Palestinian militants are believed to be holding approximately 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others captured during the October 7 attack into Israel that sparked the conflict.
Hamas is also pressing for the release of numerous prisoners, including top militants serving life sentences, in exchange for the remaining hostages. However, Israel has publicly rejected these demands, reaffirming its intention to resume military operations against Hamas following any cease-fire, with the aim of dismantling the organization.
According to Egyptian officials speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, Israel is inclined towards a more limited agreement, while mediators are urging both parties to soften their stances.
The imminent start of Ramadan, known for heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions over access to a major holy site in Jerusalem, adds urgency to the negotiation process. While Ramadan is expected to begin on Sunday, its exact commencement depends on the sighting of the moon.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
