🚨 Hamas has laid out demands to release an Israeli detainee holding U.S. citizenship and hand over the remains of four hostages—but there's a catch. The group insists on reopening Gaza's Rafah Crossing, restoring humanitarian aid, and extending the current ceasefire by two months, according to Egyptian officials cited by Xinhua.
Behind the Negotiation Table
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo Friday to push for a deal, proposing a direct shift to talks about a permanent truce (#CeasefireGoals). Egypt is now relaying these terms to Israeli authorities, with tensions hanging on their response.
Timeline of Stalled Talks
Remember that three-phase ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S.? Phase one ended March 1, and talks for phase two—targeting lasting peace—are now in limbo. Meanwhile, Israel has blocked aid to Gaza since March 2, worsening conditions in the region.
📌 Why it matters: Over 2 million Gaza residents rely on crossings like Rafah for food and supplies. The stakes are sky-high as negotiators race to balance humanitarian needs with political demands.
