Talks Collapse As Hamas Delegation Departs: Cease Fire Deal Unlikely Before Ramadan

This development suggests that it is highly improbable that a deal will be brokered before the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. President Biden had previously expressed optimism and encouraged both parties to reach an agreement to cease the Israel-Hamas conflict before the start of Ramadan, which is anticipated to begin on Sunday evening.

Earlier, Egyptian officials had reported that the negotiations had reached a standstill due to Hamas' insistence on a phased process leading to the cessation of the war. However, they did not dismiss the possibility of an agreement before Ramadan, which has informally emerged as a deadline.

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Jihad Taha, a spokesperson for Hamas, stated that Israel "refuses to commit to and give guarantees regarding the cease-fire, the return of the displaced, and withdrawal from the areas of its incursion." Despite this, he confirmed that the discussions were ongoing and would recommence the following week. Israel has yet to comment on the matter.

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For several weeks, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been attempting to mediate an agreement on a six-week cease-fire and the release of 40 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

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On March 2, a U.S. official informed CBS News that a "deal on the table" existed for a six-week cease-fire that would involve Hamas releasing hostages deemed vulnerable, including the sick, wounded, elderly, and some female hostages.

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"There's a framework deal," the official stated. "The Israelis have more or less accepted it. And there will be a six-week cease-fire in Gaza starting today — if Hamas agrees to release" the hostages, the official added.

The following day, Vice President Kamala Harris, using some of the Biden administration's most forceful language to date, described the situation in Gaza as a "humanitarian catastrophe" and asserted that an "immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table," was necessary.

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Egyptian officials reported that Hamas had agreed to the primary terms of such an agreement as an initial stage, but demanded assurances that it would lead to a more permanent cease-fire eventually.

Hamas has declared that it will not release all remaining hostages without a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Palestinian militants are believed to be holding approximately 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others, captured during Hamas' October 7 terror attack on southern Israel, which instigated the war.

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Hamas is also demanding the release of a significant number of prisoners, including top militants serving life sentences, in exchange for the remaining hostages.

Israel has publicly rejected these demands, stating its intention to resume the offensive following any cease-fire with the objective of annihilating Hamas.

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Egyptian officials reported that Israel wishes to limit the negotiations to a more restricted agreement. They spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations with the media. Both officials stated that mediators are still urging the two parties to moderate their positions.

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Ramadan, the month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, often witnesses an escalation in Israeli-Palestinian tensions over access to a major holy site in Jerusalem. It is expected to begin on Sunday evening, but the start of the lunar month depends on the sighting of the moon.