Peace Talks Stall Over Israel's Demand

Hamas has dispatched a delegation to Cairo to receive updates on ongoing peace negotiations, although the group has stated it will not directly participate in the talks it has been boycotting for the past ten days. The discussions involve representatives from Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar, focusing on a potential deal that includes the release of Israeli hostages, the freeing of Palestinian detainees, and a ceasefire. A senior Hamas official confirmed the delegation's arrival, while another source indicated that they would not engage in the negotiations. The primary obstacle in the negotiations is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand for an Israeli presence along the Egypt-Gaza border, specifically in the Philadelphi corridor. Hamas has firmly rejected this condition, arguing it contradicts a three-stage peace plan proposed by President Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council, which calls for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas claims it has accepted the original plan but has boycotted the current talks due to perceived alterations to the proposal. The White House maintains that the peace plan has been accepted by Israel, despite Netanyahu's ongoing skepticism and commitment to continue military operations against Hamas. The Israeli government argues that a presence in the Philadelphi corridor is crucial to prevent arms smuggling from Egypt, a claim contested by the Egyptian government, which asserts it has effectively addressed smuggling issues. As negotiations unfold, Israel continues its military campaign, now in its 11th month, following a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7 that resulted in significant casualties. The humanitarian toll in Gaza has been severe, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported killed amid ongoing hostilities, while many of the more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas remain unaccounted for.