Ceasefire Stumbles: Disagreements Over Gaza Military Presence and Prisoner Releases

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas are hindered by disagreements on Israel's military presence in Gaza and conditions on Palestinian prisoner releases. These disagreements, mediated by the U.S., involve various geopolitical stakeholders and pending proposals, yet key issues remain unresolved.

Efforts to establish a ceasefire and negotiate a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas have hit significant roadblocks, multiple sources reveal. Disputes over Israel's military presence in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners are the crux of the obstacles.

According to those familiar with the U.S.-mediated talks, demands introduced by Israel following Hamas's acceptance of a May ceasefire proposal have created friction. Hamas is particularly opposed to Israel's insistence on maintaining troops along the Netzarim and Philadelphi Corridors.

The latest talks, which involve U.S., Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian officials, are expected to continue in Cairo. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new bridging proposal by the U.S., which aims to resolve the existing disagreements, but skepticism remains high among the negotiators.

(With inputs from agencies.)