Israel, Hamas dampen hopes for speedy Gaza truce deal

Israel and Hamas downplayed hopes on Monday of an imminent breakthrough in Cairo ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the 7-month Gaza war and securing hostage releases. This despite earlier Egyptian media reports of significant progress.

With the conflict dragging on, Israel faces mounting international calls, including from key ally the US, to agree to a ceasefire. On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed Israel was near victory and vowed to defeat remaining Hamas fighters in Rafah. Yet the army also announced a tactical withdrawal of troops from southern Gaza, while stressing operations in Rafah would continue.

Defense Minister Gallant said the redeployment allows preparations for future missions in Rafah near Egypt where 1.5 million Gazans live in crowded shelters. An Israeli spokesperson downplayed the significance given the small geography, noting troops can be redeployed quickly if needed.

Witnesses reported further Israeli strikes in Gaza, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Rafah. Despite ongoing threats and clashes, Netanyahu sent negotiators to fresh Cairo talks on Sunday with US, Qatari and Egyptian officials. President Biden also dispatched the CIA chief, underscoring US demands in a recent call for an immediate ceasefire and steps to help Gaza civilians.

Egyptian media cited progress on key disputes according to an unnamed source, with Palestinian and Hamas delegates expected back within 2 days to finalize a deal. But an unnamed Israeli official cautioned no agreement was imminent given major differences remain. Another said patience was required as potential exists but key hurdles persist. A senior Hamas official also said no concrete progress had been made yet, particularly on Gaza City displaced residents returning.

The war began with an October Hamas attack that killed 1,170 people, mostly civilians per Israel. Militants also took over 250 hostages, 129 remaining in Gaza including 34 presumed dead. Israel’s offensive has killed at least 33,207 in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to health officials there. The siege has deprived Gazans of basic supplies, only partially alleviated by aid trucks and air drops.

Vast areas are now rubble, with World Bank estimating $18.5 billion in damage, mostly housing. Returning residents in Khan Yunis were shocked by the level of destruction. Roads were bulldozed and bodies still being recovered. Despite this, some plan to move back into damaged apartments as better than tents.

Meanwhile the region has seen a surge in violence by Iran-backed groups. Israel was blamed for striking an Iranian consulate in Syria last week, prompting retaliation threats from Tehran. An Iranian adviser warned Israeli embassies were now unsafe. Israel said it has prepared for any scenario with Iran. It also announced another phase of preparations on the Lebanese border amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. On Monday, Israel said it killed a Hezbollah commander in an air strike in southern Lebanon.

UN officials said the 6 months of Israel-Lebanon border violence must end, urging diplomacy while possible.