As the ongoing tensions deepen, Israel reportedly chose to abstain from participating in ceasefire negotiations in Cairo on Sunday. According to an Israeli newspaper, the decision came after Hamas declined to meet Israel’s demand for a comprehensive list identifying the remaining hostages who are alive.
A Hamas delegation had convened in Cairo for what was anticipated to be crucial talks, possibly marking the final step before a potential agreement to cease hostilities for a period of six weeks. However, by early evening, Israeli representatives were conspicuously absent.
Citing unnamed Israeli officials, Ynet, the online platform of Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, stated, “There is no Israeli delegation in Cairo. Hamas refuses to provide clear answers, and therefore there is no reason to dispatch the Israeli delegation.”
Despite Washington’s insistence on the proximity of a ceasefire deal, both sides have exhibited little public willingness to compromise on their respective demands.
A Palestinian official, speaking after the arrival of the Hamas delegation, remarked that the agreement was “not yet there.” However, there was no official statement from the Israeli side.
Sources familiar with the negotiations had previously indicated that Israel might refrain from participating unless Hamas first disclosed its complete list of living hostages. According to a Palestinian source cited by Reuters, Hamas has thus far rejected this demand.
In previous negotiations, Hamas has typically deferred discussions on the condition and whereabouts of individual hostages until terms for their release are finalised.
A US official asserted on Saturday that “The path to a ceasefire right now literally at this hour is straightforward. And there’s a deal on the table. There’s a framework deal.”
Reportedly, Israel had consented to the proposed framework, leaving the ball in Hamas’ court to respond.
The potential agreement would mark the first substantial truce since the conflict commenced five months ago, with only a brief hiatus in November. Under the terms, numerous hostages held by Hamas would be liberated in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
Moreover, aid provisions would be escalated for Gazans teetering on the brink of famine. The cessation of hostilities would aim to avert a significant Israeli offensive planned for Rafah, where over half of Gaza’s population resides in close proximity to the enclave’s southern border with Egypt. Additionally, Israeli forces would withdraw from select areas, allowing displaced Gazans to return to their abandoned residences.
However, the proposal appears to fall short of meeting Hamas’ primary demand for a permanent cessation of hostilities. Additionally, the fate of over half of the remaining hostages, including Israeli men not covered under the terms for the release of women, children, the elderly, and the injured, remains unresolved.
Egyptian mediators have suggested deferring these issues for the time being, with assurances to address them in subsequent stages.