Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continue to face significant obstacles after talks in Cairo ended without a breakthrough on Sunday. The negotiations, brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, aimed to end the 10-month conflict in Gaza and secure the release of over 100 hostages held by Hamas since its Oct. 7 attack on Israel. However, neither side has agreed to any key compromises, prolonging the war.
At the heart of the stalled talks is the issue of Israeli military presence in the strategic Philadelphia Corridor along Gaza’s southern border and the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza. These narrow strips of land are hotly contested as Israel seeks to maintain a security base in these areas. Mediators have proposed alternatives to Israeli troops occupying the corridors, but these proposals have so far failed to satisfy either party.
Another major point of contention is the fate of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas is demanding the release of several prisoners, but Israel insists that those released must leave Gaza completely. In addition, Israel has imposed new conditions on displaced Palestinians returning to northern Gaza, including security checks, further complicating negotiations. Hamas officials have accused Israel of backtracking on previously agreed terms. “We will not accept any discussions about withdrawals from what we agreed on July 2 or about new terms,” Hamas official Osama Hamdan said in a statement to Al-Aqsa TV.
Despite the lack of progress, US officials claim the talks have been constructive. According to a senior US official, discussions will continue in working groups in the coming days to clarify remaining issues and finalize details. Both the Israeli and Hamas delegations have already left Cairo. The Israelis have returned to Jerusalem to consult with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Hebrew media reports, pressure is mounting on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to agree to a deal.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told a press conference in Halifax, Canada, that Washington continues to participate “feverishly” in the talks. He stressed that the US is determined to reach a final agreement that will not only end the fighting but also lead to the release of the hostages. Negotiators remain confident but admit that there are still significant hurdles. Talks are expected to resume soon, but the timetable for a ceasefire is still unclear.
