TEL AVIV: Talks for a truce in the besieged Gaza Strip have not yet “broken down”, the US ambassador to Israel said Thursday, after the Palestinian resistance group Hamas delegation voiced dissatisfaction with Israel’s positions and left Cairo.
The US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew said that progress is being made in Gaza truce talks despite existing differences.
Speaking at a conference in Tel Aviv, Ambassador Lew emphasized that while an agreement has not been reached, efforts are underway to narrow the gaps between the parties involved. He noted that with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaching, there is heightened anticipation for a potential breakthrough in the discussions.
Deadlock in Gaza Truce Talks
Lew’s remarks follow the departure of a Hamas delegation from Egypt for consultations in Qatar after expressing dissatisfaction with Israel’s positions. The delegation highlighted that Israel’s initial responses did not meet the minimum requirements for a permanent cessation of hostilities, as outlined by Hamas.
The Palestinian resistance group has consistently advocated for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the repatriation of displaced persons, and the commencement of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in the territory.
In response, Gadi Eisenkot, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, noted that Hamas is facing significant pressure from mediators to present a counter-offer, which could pave the way for further progress in the negotiations.
