The ceasefire talks in Gaza remain at an impasse, but informed Israeli sources estimate that there are "efforts by intermediary countries to renew these talks." According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority "Makan," officials familiar with the negotiations believe it is crucial to tighten the screws on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and increase pressure on him, "because this is the only way to push forward a deal for the release of the hostages in the sector," as they say.
Hamas insists that the agreement must include a clear and explicit clause for a complete and permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, while Israel has so far rejected this point and insists on not ending the war until there is a ground invasion of Rafah. With both sides sticking to their positions, negotiations appear to be stuck in a vicious cycle.
Despite increasing international pressure on Israel to reconsider its decision to invade Rafah, a city located at the southernmost end of the Gaza Strip that is home to more than 1.5 million displaced Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems unwilling to back down.
