CAIRO: Gaza ceasefire talks are due to resume in Cairo on Sunday amidst mounting international pressure to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, two Egyptian security sources said on Saturday, The Straits Times reported.
However, reports from Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that Israel is hesitant to send a delegation until it receives a comprehensive list of Israeli hostages believed to be held in Gaza.
The urgency for a ceasefire has been underscored by US President Joe Biden, who expressed hope for its implementation before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, likely to begin on March 10.
Efforts for Gaza Ceasefire
The recent incident on Thursday, where over 100 Palestinians seeking aid were killed by Israeli fire, according to Gaza authorities, has intensified the need for immediate action in the negotiations. Despite the tragic event, talks have not faltered but rather spurred negotiators to expedite their efforts to preserve progress.
Key points of contention include the duration of the ceasefire, as well as the release of hostages and prisoners. Agreement on these matters remains key for the completion of a deal, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Gaza and the safe return of its residents.
Meanwhile, the Gaza health ministry reported that at least 92 people were killed and 156 others wounded in Israeli assaults over the past 24 hours. Among the casualties were three persons killed in Beit Hanoun while searching for food in farmland, according to residents and medics.
The Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki, expressed the collective hope for a ceasefire before Ramadan, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. However, both Biden and Maliki acknowledged that further efforts are needed to reach a resolution and halt the escalating violence in the region.
