Day 2 of Gaza ceasefire talks concludes in Egypt

The second day of the latest round of Gaza ceasefire talks between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, concluded on Tuesday in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.  

Sources described the talks as difficult and complicated, with Hamas warning Israel not to undermine the peace efforts. According to sources close to the negotiations, the second day of this round of talks focused on key issues including Israeli troop withdrawal routes and the release of Israelis held captive in Gaza.

Hamas insisted that any release must occur simultaneously with a complete Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and demanded international guarantees for a permanent ceasefire. The technical teams are currently examining detailed maps submitted by the Israeli delegation outlining the areas from which the Israeli army would withdraw, as well as lists of Palestinian prisoners slated for release.