The talks in Cairo on a ceasefire in the Gaza war failed to produce an agreement on Sunday, according to insiders. Neither Israel nor the radical Islamist Hamas accepted the compromises presented by the mediators, two Egyptian security officials said. However, a senior US official described the talks as “constructive” with all sides trying to reach “a final and viable agreement.”
According to well-informed sources at the airport, the 13-member Israeli delegation that had arrived in Cairo hours earlier was leaving. Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also left the capital, as did Hamas representatives who had traveled from Doha to be briefed on the progress of the talks.
Hamas demands complete withdrawal of Israeli troops
A senior Hamas official said Israel must abide by the commitments made in early July and by US President Joe Biden’s peace plan. Hamas is prepared to implement the previously made agreements. Part of any agreement on war would include a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
According to security circles, the main question that remains controversial is the extent to which Israeli troops will be allowed to remain stationed in the Gaza-Egypt border area in the event of a ceasefire. Israel suspects that Hamas has supplied itself with weapons across this border.
The US is seeking a ceasefire
The US has again expressed its concern about a possible escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned at a press conference in Hallifax of a “major war” in the region. The United States therefore remains actively involved in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Sullivan also confirmed that the US administration is in constant contact with Israel, especially regarding the current tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Hezbollah attacks did not affect talks
The talks in Cairo were overshadowed by heavy attacks on each other by Israel and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon on Sunday morning. However, security sources said the attacks did not directly affect the course of the talks.
The prospects for a breakthrough in the talks in the near future are slim. The US, Qatar and Egypt, which mediate between Hamas and Israel, spoke of “serious and constructive” negotiations after the last round of talks in Doha. There was also talk recently of a “bridging proposal” to reduce the remaining rift between Israel and Hamas. The date for a possible new round of talks was initially unknown.
Source: Krone
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