Netanyahu Grants Israeli Negotiating Delegation Additional "Powers"

Israeli Army Radio reported that the "Security Cabinet" has granted the negotiating delegation additional powers following a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the families of soldiers held captive in Gaza. Two days ago, Netanyahu's office stated that the Israeli negotiating delegation, in coordination with mediators in Cairo, has developed a new proposal to present to Hamas. Netanyahu's office mentioned that "within the framework of the talks, and with constructive mediation from Egypt, the mediators have crafted an amended proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives." It added that "Israel expects the mediators to exert stronger pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement." On the other hand, Osama Hamdan, a leader in Hamas, confirmed that there has been no progress in the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, despite the flexibility shown by the movement. He stated, "There is no progress in the negotiations so far; they are at a standstill... despite the high positive flexibility demonstrated by Hamas in the negotiations."