Gaza Conflict: Increased Diplomatic Efforts at Cairo Talks

Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have intensified as talks entered their third day in Cairo. Representatives from international mediators and Hamas are striving to secure a pause in the conflict ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The discussions, involving envoys from the Hamas, the United States, and mediators from Qatar and Egypt, are focused on negotiating a six-week truce to facilitate the exchange of remaining hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, and ensuring the flow of aid into Gaza.

Israeli delegates have stayed away from the negotiations despite mounting diplomatic pressure for a truce before Ramadan commences early next week.

According to an Israeli media reports Israel’s mediators boycotted the talks due to Hamas’s failure to provide a list of living hostages, a claim disputed by senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim, who stated that such details were not part of the negotiation process documentation.

Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and the United Nations have intensified as Israel recalled its ambassador over the handling of allegations of sexual assault by Hamas during the October attack that sparked the conflict, criticizing the UN for what it perceives as a delayed response to these claims.

The UN however released a report indicating “reasonable grounds to believe” that rapes were committed during Hamas’ attack, prompting Israel to recall its UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan, accusing the organization of attempting to suppress information about sexual violence by Hamas. However, the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson denied any such suppression.