U.S. and Arab Mediators Push for Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict

The United States, along with Arab mediators, is working to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the 14-month conflict in Gaza. The negotiations, taking place in Cairo, aim to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Despite progress, unresolved conditions remain, complicating the talks.

The United States, backed by Arab mediators, intensified efforts on Wednesday to finalize a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Medics reported overnight Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 16 Palestinian deaths.

Negotiations in Cairo suggest a potential agreement in the coming days to exchange hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Israeli strikes targeted a house in Beit Lahiya, killing 10, and additional attacks in other Gaza regions claimed six more lives.

Although progress has been made, unresolved conditions from Israel complicate the talks. CIA Director William Burns is set to meet Qatar's Prime Minister in Doha to address these gaps. The conflict, sparked by a Hamas raid on southern Israel, has significantly impacted the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)