Ceasefire Talks in Gaza Conclude; Sullivan: U.S. Efforts Continue in Cairo

With the conclusion of the Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo, U.S. officials have announced that diplomatic efforts will continue, while Reuters reported that the discussions ended "without reaching an agreement." Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, stated on Sunday evening that the United States is still working in Cairo to achieve a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Sullivan added in a press conference in Halifax, Canada, that Washington is concerned about the escalation of conflicts and the spread of war in the Middle East, and the Biden administration is in continuous contact with Israel regarding the current situation with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some media outlets, including Axios and the Times of Israel, quoted unnamed U.S. officials describing the Cairo talks as "constructive" and reported that discussions would continue in the coming days. Meanwhile, Reuters cited two Egyptian security sources reporting that the Cairo negotiations ended without reaching an agreement. According to Reuters, the extremist group Hamas accused Israel of retreating from previous commitments during the negotiations, including regarding the exit from the Philadelphi Corridor, and of introducing new conditions. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union, and Israeli officials have not yet responded to this claim. Reports have emerged about the return of Israeli negotiators to their country following sharp criticism from the families of hostages directed at Netanyahu. Additionally, Reuters reported, citing Ezzat Rishiq, a senior Hamas official, that the Hamas delegation has left Cairo. The Cairo talks took place against the backdrop of Israel announcing a preemptive strike on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon early Sunday, while Hezbollah claimed to have launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel. Following these attacks, the presence of the Israeli delegation in the Cairo negotiations was met with skepticism, but the Israeli army announced on Sunday morning that the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet were heading to Cairo. The Cairo discussions also occurred amid increasing protests in Israel and pressure on the government to reach an agreement, with families of 109 Israeli hostages holding another protest in Tel Aviv the night before the negotiations. Israel's condition for its forces' presence in Gaza has "blocked" the path to a ceasefire agreement. The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release negotiations are mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, with the previous round held less than two weeks ago in Doha. After the Doha talks, the United States announced that it had presented "intermediary proposals" to reduce disputes between the warring parties. The severe government crackdown and the risk of protests becoming "underground" are also highlighted.