Hamas and Egyptian mediators said they were pressing on with talks on securing a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Israel’s decision not to send a delegation to the Cairo talks.
The ceasefire talks, which began on Sunday, are billed as a final hurdle on the way to securing the first extended ceasefire of the five-month-old war, in time for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, expected to begin on Sunday.
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Reuters reports that Israel has declined to comment publicly on the Cairo talks and is staying away because Hamas had refused a request to list the hostages that are still alive, information that the Palestinian militants who control Gaza say they will provide only once terms are agreed.
The White House said a temporary ceasefire was essential to a hostage deal and urged Hamas to accept the terms currently on offer.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby says the United States still hoped to conclude a ceasefire-for-hostages deal by the start of Ramadan.
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