The latest round of Gaza cease-fire talks ended in Cairo after “in-depth and serious discussions,” with Hamas reiterating key demands that Israel rejected. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to resist international pressure to halt the war, leading to dim hopes for progress. Israel closed its main crossing point for humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza after a Hamas attack, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of a powerful military operation in Rafah and other parts of Gaza soon. Although Egypt and Qatar mediated the talks, Israel did not send a delegation, and Hamas decided to discuss further negotiations in Qatar before returning to Cairo on Tuesday.
Another threat to the talks emerged as Israel ordered the closure of local offices of Qatar’s Al Jazeera network, accusing it of anti-Israel incitement. Netanyahu, under pressure from hard-liners in his government, downplayed the possibility of a cease-fire deal, referring to Hamas’ demands as “extreme.” Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed seriousness and positivity about the negotiations, emphasizing stopping Israeli aggression in Gaza as the main priority. However, Israel’s government remained committed to pressing on with a military operation in Rafah, a strategic city on the border with Egypt and a key entry point for aid into Gaza.
The closing of Kerem Shalom, a vital crossing point, occurred after Hamas targeted it with 10 projectiles, leading to the wounded, including three severely. The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees called for an independent investigation into the incident and criticized Israel for denying him entry into Gaza for the second time. The head of the U.N. World Food Program raised concerns about a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza due to restrictions on aid shipments, warning that more access was needed to avert a crisis. Gaza’s humanitarian needs added pressure to the cease-fire negotiations proposed by Egyptian mediators, outlining a three-stage process that included an immediate cease-fire and limited Israeli withdrawal.
Netanyahu claimed that Israel had shown willingness to make concessions but emphasized the need to continue fighting until all objectives were achieved, including crushing Hamas. Despite warnings from the U.S. and others about civilian casualties, Israel insisted on targeting Rafah to eliminate remaining fighters. An Israeli strike on a house in an urban refugee camp near Rafah resulted in the deaths of four children, a baby, and two adults, prompting further outrage. The ongoing conflict, triggered by an attack by Hamas that killed over 1,200 people and took hostages, had claimed more than 34,500 lives, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel blamed Hamas for civilian deaths, alleging the group of using residential areas for military purposes.
The conflict has deepened with widespread devastation and escalating casualties, with Israel’s offensive targeting militants while causing significant civilian casualties. The international community’s calls for a cease-fire and humanitarian access have intensified, urging both sides to prioritize civilian protection. Netanyahu’s determination to defend Israel against external pressure and threats highlights the challenges in reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive peace agreement to address the root causes of the longstanding conflict. The fate of negotiations in Cairo and Qatar remains uncertain, as both sides continue to hold firm on their demands and military strategies.
