Ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and mediators concluded on Tuesday in Cairo without progress, heightening concerns as the start of Ramadan approaches.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, revealed that the group had tabled its ceasefire proposal during the two-day discussions, awaiting a response from Israel, which opted not to participate in this round. “Netanyahu doesn’t want to reach an agreement, and the ball now is in the Americans’ court,” Naim remarked.
Israel’s stance on the Cairo talks remained undisclosed, although a source cited by Reuters suggested that Israel abstained due to Hamas’s refusal to provide a list of living hostages—a precondition set by Israel. Naim countered, explaining that complying with such a demand was unfeasible amidst ongoing hostilities, with hostages dispersed across conflict zones and held by various factions.
The discussions in Cairo was anticipated as a pivotal step toward securing the war’s initial prolonged ceasefire—a 40-day truce slated to coincide with Ramadan’s commencement next week.
Egyptian security sources disclosed ongoing communication with Israel to facilitate negotiations in the absence of an Israeli delegation.
Meanwhile, the United States, a key ally of Israel and a sponsor of the ceasefire talks, asserted that an Israeli-approved deal was on offer, leaving the decision with Hamas, a claim disputed by the militant group.
Amid the diplomatic maneuvering, Gaza grappled with a deepening humanitarian crisis, compounded by the devastation of war. Aid supplies dwindled drastically over the past month, exacerbating famine conditions.
Ahmed Cannan, a malnourished toddler, epitomized the dire situation, his weight halved since the conflict’s onset. Nurse Diaa Al-Shaer lamented the influx of malnourished children at clinics, warning of an impending health crisis.
Despite Israel’s willingness to increase aid access through limited checkpoints, aid agencies decry the challenges in distributing supplies amid lawlessness and military presence. UNICEF’s regional director, Adele Khodr, underscored the anguish felt by parents and medical professionals as life-saving aid remained out of reach.