Progress in talks on Gaza ceasefire, but gaps remain significant: CNN
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A US official tells CNN hat no guarantees of reaching a final agreement during the ceasefire talks in Cairo.
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Demonstrators, one holding a placard and another the Palestinian flag during a Protest in support of Palestine and Gaza facing an Israeli genocide and in front of the Italian national television headquarters RAI, in central Rome on February 17, 2024 (AP)
Negotiators in Cairo made progress and discussed the "final details" of a potential ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip on Sunday, but differences remain significant, a US official said as cited by CNN.
The official told the American broadcaster that while the progress in the Cairo negotiations does not guarantee a final agreement soon, the negotiators are focusing on resolving contentious issues.
The remaining points of disagreement are still significant, but overcoming them is possible, the official added.
Read more: 'Israel' had refused Hamas offer to release captives, bodies last year
The discussion is currently centered on Israeli military withdrawal from “densely populated areas” in Gaza, and what parts of Philadelphi qualify as such, noting that "Israel" plans on maintaining occupation posts in parts of the corridor in the first phase of the agreement.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated to senior negotiators that he would prefer to retain control over the Philadelphia Corridor if the choice comes down to either maintaining Israeli control over this area or securing the return of captives.
Security Minister Yoav Gallant has also accused the prime minister of deliberately sabotaging the talks, describing his phrase "absolute victory" as nonsense.
Palestinian Resistance groups accepted a deal on July 2nd put forward by US President Joe Biden, before it was later revealed by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan that Biden's proposal was submitted to the US by "Israel".
In that context, leaders of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have repeatedly conditioned any deal to reach a permanent ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the unrestricted return of forcibly displaced residents to their homes across the Strip, comprehensive relief and reconstruction efforts, ending the blockade, and a serious exchange deal.`
Read more: Israeli media: Hamas maintains military capabilities in Gaza
Following a recent round of talks in Cairo last week, Hamas said that "Israel" has reneged on its commitment to remove troops from the Philadelphi and Netzarim Corridors and has proposed additional requirements, such as vetting displaced Palestinians upon their return to the more densely populated north of the Strip once the ceasefire takes effect.
"We will not accept discussions about retractions from what we agreed to on July 2 or new conditions," Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al-Aqsa TV last Sunday.
