No breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire talks: Media sources

Hopes for a new ceasefire in Gaza faded Monday as the latest round of negotiations in Cairo ended without a breakthrough, according to Egyptian and Palestinian sources quoted by Reuters.

Despite days of mediation efforts, Hamas maintained its position that any agreement must lead to a permanent end to the war, while 'Israel' continues to reject such terms, vowing to pursue its military campaign until Hamas is eliminated.

Still, some movement was reported behind closed doors. A Hamas delegation led by Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya showed flexibility regarding the number of captives it might release in exchange for Palestinian detainees, should a truce extension be secured.

An Egyptian source told Reuters that Hamas was willing to increase the number of 'Israeli' captives released in a renewed deal. 'Israeli' minister Zeev Elkin, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, told Army Radio that 'Israel' now seeks the release of 10 captives—double the five Hamas had previously agreed to release.

The Egyptian source said Hamas has requested more time to consider the latest proposal. “Hamas has no problem, but it wants guarantees that 'Israel' will commit to beginning talks on the second phase of the ceasefire, which must include ending the war,” the source added.

Escalating violence

The earlier truce in January had resulted in the release of 33 'Israeli' captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. However, the planned second phase, intended to lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities, never materialized.

Since the ceasefire’s collapse in March, 'Israel' has intensified its military operations across Gaza, killing over 1,500 Palestinians, displacing hundreds of thousands, and enforcing a total blockade on the enclave, according to local reports.

In the north, 'Israeli' airstrikes have devastated communities like Jabalia, where rescue workers scrambled through rubble to retrieve victims. At least 25 people were reported killed in a single strike. The 'Israeli' military said the target was a group of militants preparing an ambush.

In southern Gaza, tent camps in Khan Younis were also flattened. “We used to live in houses. They were destroyed. Now, our tents have been destroyed too,” said displaced resident Ismail al-Raqab. “We don't know where to stay.”

Diplomatic push

Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis, regional leaders are stepping up efforts. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha on Sunday to discuss additional international guarantees for a potential truce.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for 'Israel’s' military campaign and has called on Gaza’s civilian population to evacuate the territory. Trump claimed last week that progress was being made in efforts to return the remaining captives.