Tuesday Briefing: Hopes Grow for New Ceasefire Negotiations

Russia is also advancing in eastern Ukraine.

ImageIsraeli demonstrators in Tel Aviv yesterday called for the release of the hostages.Credit... Ohad Zwigenberg/Associated PressCeasefire negotiations could resume today

Negotiations for a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas could resume as early as today, officials said. A mid-level Israeli delegation plans to travel to Cairo for new talks mediated by Egypt, but only if Hamas also agrees to attend, Israeli officials said.

Hope for an agreement The ceasefire was lifted after Israel reduced its demand for the release of at least 40 hostages and declared itself ready to do so accept 33, in part because he believes some died in captivity.

“It makes it a little easier to reach a deal,” he told us. yesterday Patrick Kingsley, our bureau chief in Jerusalem. "But there are still many stumbling blocks."

"Hamas wants a truce that gives it a chance to survive the war as a military force, while Israel wants a deal that would give its army the opportunity to resume fighting and rout Hamas,” he added. “This is why Israel wants a short-term ceasefire. , while Hamas wants a longer ceasefire that could extend until it becomes permanent."

Yesterday, President Biden contacted the leaders. from Egypt and Qatar as it seeks to increase pressure on Hamas to agree to a deal The moves have raised hopes that the two sides could move closer to their first truce in months.