Progress in Cairo: White House Reports Constructive Ceasefire Talks

Negotiations in Cairo for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange are progressing, as per the White House. Discussions are ongoing at the working-group level to iron out specifics. Despite weekend cross-border warfare, talks remain constructive with issues around the Philadelphi Corridor and detainee exchanges being key topics.

Ongoing negotiations in Cairo aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage exchange continue to move forward, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. He emphasized that talks are progressing and are now at the working-group level to address specific issues.

Speaking to reporters in a virtual briefing, Kirby refuted claims of a breakdown in talks, labeling the discussions as 'constructive.' Brett McGurk, U.S. President Joe Biden's top Middle East aide, will stay in Cairo to assist in the working-group discussions.

An essential aspect of the working groups will focus on the exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. The details to be settled include the number of hostages, their identities, and the timeline for their release.

Months of intermittent negotiations have yet to produce a ceasefire agreement or secure the release of hostages captured during Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. The latest talks are taking place amidst threats of regional escalation, with recent cross-border warfare between Hezbollah and Israel.

Despite these hostilities, Kirby stated that the conflict had not impacted the negotiations. Key issues in the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar-mediated talks include the Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt.

Kirby mentioned that the team on the ground continues to describe the negotiations as constructive. However, Egyptian sources disclosed that Israel has reservations about specific Palestinian detainees that Hamas wants released, and Israel is demanding these detainees' exit from Gaza.

The conflict has resulted in over 40,400 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry, and most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been repeatedly displaced, facing severe shortages of food and medicine, as reported by humanitarian agencies.

(With inputs from agencies.)