As mediating countries work to bring Israel and Hamas closer to a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, both parties continue to accuse each other of hindering progress while the fighting continues. Hamas has emphasized the need for a permanent end to the conflict as a condition for any agreement, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected this condition, stating that complying with Hamas’ demands would be a defeat for Israel. The head of Hamas’ political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, has accused Netanyahu of sabotaging truce efforts.
Israel did not send a delegation to Cairo for talks, waiting for a positive development regarding a potential hostage deal before deciding. Talks resumed with mediators on Sunday after a previous round failed to make progress. Israel has threatened a ground attack on Rafah, a city in Gaza, as a means to eliminate Hamas. The United Nations has warned against such an attack without sufficient plans to protect civilians.
Hamas has publicly disagreed with Israel over the terms for a truce and the exchange of hostages and detainees, putting talks in Cairo at risk. Meanwhile, Israel closed the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Gaza after it was targeted by missiles allegedly from Hamas, causing casualties among Israeli soldiers. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue in Cairo with both parties unwilling to compromise on their terms for a truce.