Amid Outcry Over Aid Workers’ Death, Gaza Truce Talks Continue

American, Israeli, and Hamas negotiators are set to meet in Cairo over the weekend to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release deal as the Gaza war reaches its six-month mark. Egypt’s Al-Qahera News reported that CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani will join Egyptian mediators for the talks between the Israeli and Hamas delegations.

Hamas has confirmed its demands for a complete ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces ahead of the negotiations. This comes after Israel’s military admitted fault and fired two officers over the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza, sparking international outrage.

The deaths of the aid workers from US-based World Central Kitchen on April 1 prompted a tense call between US President Joe Biden and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden urged an immediate ceasefire and hinted at conditioning US support for Israel on improving humanitarian conditions.

The Gaza war, which began on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of over 1,170 people in southern Israel and at least 33,137 people in Gaza, mostly women and children. The conflict has also led to the kidnapping of around 250 Israeli and foreign hostages, with over 30 still held captive in Gaza.

As negotiations resume in Cairo, there are hopes for progress towards a lasting ceasefire and the release of hostages. The international community is closely watching the talks, with pressure mounting on both sides to find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.