Israel boycotts Cairo cease-fire talks as Hamas rejects its information request

Israel-Gaza cease-fire efforts intensify as Hamas, U.S., and Qatar delegations gather in Cairo, with Israel boycotting the talks over Hamas’ refusal to reveal hostage information

Efforts for a cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza conflict were under way in Cairo on Sunday with delegations from Hamas, the U.S., and Qatar seeking to reach an agreement.

Israel, however, was absent from the talks in Egypt, reportedly due to Hamas rejecting its request for information on hostages that are still alive, as per an Israeli newspaper.

Israeli officials, as cited by 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 to the talks in Cairo.”

Leading the Hamas delegation is Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s deputy chief in Gaza. U.S. and Qatari officials reportedly arrived in Egypt following the presence of the Hamas delegation.

Pressure for a cease-fire mounted after over 100 civilians were killed during an aid delivery in Gaza, sparking condemnation from European leaders.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli troops fired upon Palestinians in Gaza City on Thursday who were receiving food from delivery trucks. Israel disputes this, claiming most injuries were due to a rush toward the trucks for supplies.

The Associated Press reported that Israel has essentially agreed to a proposed Gaza cease-fire and hostage-release framework, per a senior U.S. administration official. The proposal includes a six-week cease-fire in Gaza and the release of vulnerable hostages by Hamas, the official stated.

Source: Newsroom

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