Hope for new Gaza ceasefire deal hangs in the balance as Israel boycotting talks

Despite this, Israeli diplomats boycotted the discussions in Cairo after Hamas reportedly rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages that are still alive.

Washington has insisted the deal is close and should be in place ahead of the holy festival of Ramadan on 10 March.

But three officials speaking on the condition of anonymity have said the government is also waiting to hear how many Palestinian prisoners the terror group seeks to exchange for each hostage.

A Hamas official told CNN that certain terms of the deal made it “highly unlikely” any plan would be agreed in the next 48 hours, despite Israel agreeing to the proposed frameworks in Paris in late February.

The conditions that Hamas are demanding include a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

The current proposed deal includes a six-week ceasefire deal, which could have the potential to be extended, and will ensure an increase in aid supplies reaching Palestinians, who are on the brink of famine.

Attending the talks are also representatives from Qatar and the US, with President Joe Biden envisioning a revamped Palestinian leadership running the enclave with a hope of eventual statehood.

This aim is opposed by Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and hardliners within his government. Since the outbreak of war, the prime minister has faced a drop in his popularity, with many Israelis holding him responsible for failing to stop the 7 October Hamas incursion, which killed 1,200 people.