The White House announced on Friday that the ceasefire talks in Cairo have been constructive and will extend through the weekend. These discussions come as the US, along with Middle Eastern allies, continues to push for an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Leading the US delegation are CIA Director William Burns and Brett McGurk, a senior advisor to President Joe Biden on Middle Eastern affairs. The negotiations, which began on Thursday, are focusing on resolving key disagreements between Israel and Hamas, particularly regarding Israel’s presence in strategic areas of Gaza.
White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby confirmed that progress has been made, though specific details were not disclosed. Kirby emphasized that there is momentum in the talks involving the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, who are mediating between the conflicting parties.
The diplomatic push comes amid rising concerns about a broader regional conflict, particularly following recent targeted killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which have heightened tensions and threats of retaliation.
Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse over the control of the Philadelphi corridor and the Netzarim corridor. Israel insists on maintaining its presence in these areas to prevent Hamas from rearming, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected reports suggesting he might agree to an international force in the corridors. Hamas has accused Netanyahu of obstructing the ceasefire process.
John Kirby noted that President Biden had a productive conversation with Netanyahu on Wednesday and stressed the need for both sides to compromise to finalize the ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
The conflict, which began on October 7 with a Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, while around 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial attack.
President Biden expressed optimism about reaching an agreement following discussions with Qatar’s Emir and Egypt’s President. However, his optimism has been tempered recently, with Biden acknowledging that Hamas appears to be retreating from negotiations, but the US will continue its efforts to secure a deal.
Biden briefly interrupted his vacation to speak with Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgency of concluding the ceasefire and securing the release of hostages. Families of Israeli hostages have expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the situation, demanding more urgent action to secure their loved ones’ release.
The Hostages Family Forum met with Netanyahu on Friday, pressing him on the delay in reaching a ceasefire. Netanyahu assured them of his commitment to bringing the hostages back, but revelations about the bodies of captives recovered from Gaza have intensified domestic pressure on his government.
