"Point of Contention" in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

A report from the American newspaper "Wall Street Journal" revealed the point of contention hindering efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and hostage exchange in the Gaza Strip. The newspaper noted that "the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza emerges as a key issue at the heart of the ceasefire negotiations." U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resolve this issue during a phone call on Thursday, according to American officials. The newspaper pointed out that "Biden is pressing Israel to allow a limited number of civilians displaced by the war to return to the northern part of the strip." The White House stated on Friday that "Cairo is set to host a new round of talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza at the beginning of the week, with the participation of American officials." Biden clarified the need for Israel to "announce and implement a series of specific, tangible, and measurable steps to address the damage done to civilians, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of relief workers." Biden informed Netanyahu that U.S. policy will be linked to Israel taking "immediate action" regarding civilians in Gaza.