The Israeli and Hamas delegations were unable to reach an agreement in the Gaza ceasefire talks, as neither side accepted several compromises proposed by mediators.
A round of high-level talks in Cairo, aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage deal to temporarily end the 10-month Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, concluded on Sunday without a final agreement, according to a U.S. official. However, lower-level discussions will continue in the coming days to address remaining disagreements.
The official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that “working teams” will stay in Cairo to engage with mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, hoping to resolve the outstanding issues. Describing the recent discussions, which took place from Thursday through Sunday, the official called them “constructive” and noted that all parties were working towards a “final and implementable agreement.”
The talks featured CIA Director William Burns and David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. The Hamas delegation, while not directly involved in the negotiations, was briefed by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. This development followed intense exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides eventually stepping back from a broader conflict. Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, reported that around 100 Israeli planes targeted 270 sites, with 90% of the strikes aimed at rocket launchers directed towards northern Israel. He mentioned that they are currently assessing the interception rate of incoming rockets and drones, but noted that the “vast majority” were successfully neutralised.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching over 320 Katyusha rockets at various locations in Israel, along with deploying a “large number” of drones. The attacks left some Israelis shaken, including 76-year-old retired teacher Saadia Even Tsur in the northern city of Acre. He recounted that he had just returned home from the synagogue five minutes before his bedroom was damaged, remarking on the “size of the miracle” that saved him as he observed broken windows and debris on his bed.
Hezbollah leader threatens further action
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that further action could follow if the results of Sunday’s attacks were deemed insufficient. The exchanges saw heavy rocket and drone fire from Hezbollah, with Israel responding by striking multiple targets.
Despite the ongoing tensions, the Cairo talks are seen as crucial in preventing a wider Middle East war, with Hezbollah signalling it may halt its strikes if a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. The discussions in Cairo, involving top intelligence officials, are focused on finalizing a truce and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
(With agency inputs)