Ceasefire Negotiations in Cairo Extended for One More Day: Reuters

Negotiators from the Palestinian Hamas radical movement will remain in Cairo for an additional day at the request of mediators, continuing discussions surrounding a ceasefire that has seen little progress over the past two days. This has been reported by Reuters, citing a Hamas official.

The ongoing negotiations in Cairo aim to achieve a 40-day ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, during which Israeli hostages will be released and aid will be sent to Gaza ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, starting on March 10.

"The delegation will stay in Cairo on Tuesday for additional negotiations," a Hamas official told Reuters. Egyptian Al Qahera television also reported the extension of negotiations for one more day, adding that they are facing "difficulties." Israel is not participating in the negotiations. Earlier, a source from Reuters indicated that Israel's absence was due to Hamas's refusal to submit a list of the remaining hostages as per Israel's request.

Egyptian security sources stated on March 4 that they are in contact with Israeli officials to facilitate the continuation of discussions without an Israeli delegation present. Washington, a close ally of Israel and one of the mediators in the ceasefire negotiations, has stated that an agreement approved by Israel is "already on the table" and awaits Hamas's acceptance.

Since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants, approximately 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, with around 250 individuals taken hostage. In response, Israel initiated military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Part of the hostages was returned during a 7-day humanitarian ceasefire established in November. According to Israel, around 130 hostages are still held by Hamas, of which 99 are reportedly alive.

According to data from Gaza's health authorities, the death toll from Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 30,500, with around 72,000 injured.