The Biden administration insists Israel has already accepted the broad terms of a six-week pause while Hamas is holding out. A Hamas delegation left Cairo on Thursday after days of talks with no obvious breakthrough in negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire in exchange for hostage releases. “It’s in the hands of Hamas right now,” Biden told reporters on Tuesday as he boarded Air Force One. The Biden administration has escalated its criticism of Israel’s refusal to open more border crossings to allow aid into Gaza, particularly to address needs in the north. In their meeting, Blinken acknowledged that the pause and hostage deal is unlikely before the start of Ramadan, said a person familiar with the meeting.

Source: Egypt Independent March 07, 2024 20:39 UTC