Cairo talks show ‘significant progress’ towards Gaza truce

Negotiations in Cairo have seen “significant progress” in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, according to reports from Egyptian state-affiliated TV on Monday, as discussions moved into their second day. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been actively working to finalize a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ahead of the commencement of Ramadan next week.

Part of the ceasefire proposal involves an exchange where hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on October 7, which initiated the conflict, would be released in return for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

A report by Al-Qahera News, which has ties to Egypt’s intelligence agencies, cited an anonymous high-ranking official emphasizing Egypt’s continued vigorous efforts to secure a truce before the start of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, which is set to begin on March 10 or 11.

The report emerged following the onset of the latest round of negotiations on Sunday in Cairo, where Israeli officials were notably absent. A senior U.S. official indicated that Israel has, for the most part, agreed to the conditions of the suggested six-week truce, which would include increased aid shipments into Gaza.