No Deal For Hostages In Cairo, As Israel-Hamas Talks Reaches Dead End: Reports

Tel Aviv: US State Department anunced on Monday that Hamas has rejected a proposal for a short-term ceasefire and host release deal. This decision suggests that group remains firm on its key demand for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza Strip, even following death of its leader, Yahya Sinwar, last month.

Israeli negotiators have reportedly warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a lack of flexibility in negotiations could result in an unattainable deal. US readout from Secretary of State Antony Blinken's call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty revealed that Hamas declined to release any hosts to secure a ceasefire or humanitarian relief for people of Gaza.

Egypt's Proposal and Ongoing Negotiations

Egypt had proposed an initial 48-hour ceasefire, during which Hamas would prepare for release of four Israeli hosts over ten days. However, Hamas's rejection has led to ongoing discussions among mediators who continue to seek a potential agreement. A diplomat familiar with situation ted that various options remain on table, with a keen eye on outcomes of U.S. presidential elections to guide response.

In addition, a Qatar-backed proposal for a short-term ceasefire, which involves release of 11 to 14 hosts from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian security prisoners and a month-long truce, has yet to receive a response from Hamas.

Israeli Government's Stance

Netanyahu recently stated he would t agree to end hostilities for remaining 101 hosts, facing pressure from far-right coalition partners to maintain military action in Gaza. Despite Hamas's refusal of ceasefire proposal, discussions are reportedly ongoing, with a focus on brokering an agreement. Israeli negotiators cautioned Netanyahu that without concessions from Israel, negotiations could remain at an impasse.

While Israel and US have attributed prolonged deadlock to Hamas's unwillingness to eng in talks, Arab mediators from Qatar and Egypt have expressed skepticism about this narrative. y believe that U.S. has minimized Netanyahu's responsibility for stalled negotiations, suggesting that a deal could have been achieved if new conditions had t been imposed by Israeli government.

New Proposal for Host Release

Amid se challenges, Netanyahu is considering a new proposal aimed at securing release of hosts. Reports indicate that he is willing to offer "several million dollars" for each host released and ensure "safe pass" for captors and ir families. This idea was initially proposed after Sinwar's assassination, highlighting complexity of negotiations surrounding hosts.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to bringing all hosts home, emphasising that safety of those who return would be guaranteed. However, families of hosts have accused prime minister of sabotaging opportunities for ir release, furr complicating situation.

Ongoing Accusations and Implications

accusations against Netanyahu have intensified following arrest of Eli Feldstein, a spokesman for prime minister, who is suspected of leaking sensitive information. Critics allege that information released aligns with Netanyahu's narrative that shifts blame onto Hamas for stalled negotiations.

Host Families Forum has demanded investigations into actions that may have undermined efforts to secure release of hosts, arguing that such actions pose a severe risk to ir safety. forum represents families of 101 hosts still held in Gaza, expressing deep concern over trust erosion between government and its citizens.

Current Host Situation

It is believed that 97 of 251 hosts abducted by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza, along with bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead. Hamas previously released 105 civilians during a ceasefire last year, and a total of eight hosts were rescued by Israeli forces. situation remains dire, with families of hosts urging government to prioritize ir safe return amidst ongoing military actions.