Egyptian officials say that hostage negotiation talks are stalled and cite the “internal discord” among Israeli mediators as a primary reason.
After three intense negotiations, Egyptian officials told Reuters that Israeli officials would initially approve proposals only to return with amendments and revisions.
The sources said that “contradictions, delays in responses, and the introduction of new terms contrary to what was previously agreed” interfered with progress in talks.
The current plan is a 3-phase hostage release agreement that would begin with a pause in fighting and the release of 33 female, elderly, and wounded prisoners.
Similar agreements had been stalled in previous months due to an impasse between Hamas and Israel, with Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire before phase 1 could begin.
The current negotiations were restarted recently after Hamas seemed to relent on its initial demand for a full ceasefire.
