US envoy: Gaza talks not broken, gaps closing

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel clarified that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza are still ongoing, despite a Hamas delegation expressing dissatisfaction with Israel’s stance and subsequently departing Cairo.

Jack Lew, speaking at a conference in Tel Aviv, mentioned that the gap between the parties is closing, highlighting the urgency given the upcoming Ramadan. He remained cautiously optimistic, indicating that while a final agreement has not been reached, discussions have not completely collapsed.

This statement came shortly after a senior Hamas official informed AFP about the delegation’s departure to Qatar for further talks, citing Israel’s initial proposals as inadequate for a permanent ceasefire and other demands set by Hamas.

Hamas’s conditions for a truce include the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals to their homes, and the initiation of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts within the territory.

Gadi Eisenkot, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, noted Hamas’s significant pressure from mediators to present a counter-proposal, which could potentially move negotiations forward.

The conflict ignited following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, which, according to Israeli sources, resulted in approximately 1,160 casualties among Israeli troops and civilians.

During the hostilities, militants captured about 250 Israelis and foreigners, with roughly a hundred being released during a temporary ceasefire in November. Israel estimates that 99 hostages remain alive in Gaza, while 31 have perished.

In retaliation, Israel’s comprehensive military response has led to at least 30,800 deaths in Gaza, the majority being women and children, as reported by the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled region.