Ceasefire and Hostage Negotiations Continue Amid Tensions in Gaza

Negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange are ongoing in Cairo, White House spokesperson John Kirby said. The talks are constructive, aiming to settle details like the number of hostages to be exchanged. Despite regional conflicts, discussions mediated by Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar continue.

Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage deal remain active in Cairo, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby announced, stating that talks will continue at the working-group level over the next few days to resolve specific issues.

Kirby dismissed rumors of a breakdown in discussions, emphasizing their constructive nature. Brett McGurk, U.S. President Joe Biden's top Middle East aide, will depart Cairo shortly after extending his stay to initiate working-group discussions.

A key focus of these working groups will be the exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Detailed negotiations are needed to determine the number of hostages to be exchanged, their identities, and the timeline for their release.

Despite months of intermittent talks failing to halt Israel's military campaign in Gaza or free remaining hostages, the latest negotiations are under threat of regional escalation. Over the weekend, Hezbollah's rocket and drone bombardment spurred Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon as a preventative measure.

However, Kirby stated that recent cross-border warfare has not impacted the talks. Primary sticking points include Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza's southern border with Egypt. Kirby affirmed that progress persists, describing the talks as constructive.

Nonetheless, Hamas official Taher Al-Nono told Al Jazeera Mubasher that U.S. comments about the ceasefire talks' status misrepresent the truth to support Israeli positions. Similarly, the Palestinian group claimed talk of an imminent deal was false. Egyptian sources noted Israeli reservations about certain Palestinian detainees Hamas wants freed, with demands they exit Gaza if released.

According to Gaza's health ministry, over 40,400 Palestinians have died in the conflict. Humanitarian agencies report severe food and medicine shortages while most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced repeatedly.

(With inputs from agencies.)