Ceasefire Talks Falter as Gaza Conflict Rages

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are ongoing in Cairo but face significant challenges. A major sticking point is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand to retain control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border, and other strategic areas. Despite US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken's efforts to push for a bridging proposal, no breakthrough has been achieved. Hopes for a deal have been further dampened by continued fighting in Gaza, with Israeli strikes killing dozens and the Israeli military reporting casualties. Hamas has sent a delegation to Cairo to hear the results of recent discussions, but skepticism remains high on both sides. The conflict, which began with Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, has led to a humanitarian crisis and displaced nearly all of Gaza's population.