Gaza ceasefire talks are poised to recommence in Cairo on Sunday, according to two Egyptian security sources. However, an Israeli news outlet has reported that Israel will not send a delegation until it receives a comprehensive list of Israeli hostages believed to be still alive.
US President Joe Biden has expressed his desire for a ceasefire to be in place by the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on 10 March.
Despite this, there has been no immediate comment from either Israel or the Palestinian militant group Hamas, who have been engaging in negotiations through intermediaries such as Egypt and Qatar.
International pressure for a ceasefire has mounted as the Gaza health authorities report over 30,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s offensive, and the United Nations warns that a quarter of the population is on the brink of famine.
Israel initiated the offensive with the aim of eradicating Hamas, responding to the group’s attack on Israeli towns on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel and the abduction of 253 people, according to Israeli tallies.
Sources in Egypt have indicated that both Israeli and Hamas delegations are expected to arrive in Cairo on Sunday for the renewed discussions. The outcome of these talks will be closely watched as the international community endeavors to broker a ceasefire and bring an end to the devastating conflict.
