Hopes grow for new Gaza ceasefire talks as Israel scales back demands

Israel has reduced the initial number of hostages it wants to release to 33. If Hamas agrees to attend, negotiations on a ceasefire could resume in Cairo this week.

Israeli negotiators, offering a hint of hope for negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, have reduced the number of hostages they want Hamas to release in the first phase. ceasefire talks have been at a standstill for weeks. Now, with the new proposal in hand, a mid-level Israeli delegation planned to travel to Cairo on Tuesday to resume activities - but only if Hamas agrees to attend, according to two of the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue.

Hamas did not respond to a request for comment on sending representatives to Cairo. A senior Hamas official said on social media Monday that the group was studying a new Israeli proposal.

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who Saudi Arabia said Monday with Arab diplomats that the responsibility now lies with Hamas. 'Israel,' said Mr. Blinken said at an economic forum in Riyadh. “And right now, the only thing standing in the way of the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas.”

S Speaking at the same forum, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the offer included a sustained 40-day ceasefire and the release of thousands of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel in exchange for hostages held by the Hamas.

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