Palestinian group cites need for more consultations as differences persist over Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian conditions.
Hamas has announced the postponement of crucial ceasefire negotiations with Israeli and international mediators in Egypt, delaying the next round of talks until Sunday to allow for further internal consultations and coordination with other Palestinian factions.
The decision was communicated to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on Thursday, according to sources close to the negotiations. It comes as both sides remain divided on core issues, including the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the lifting of the blockade, and the mechanism for the reconstruction of the devastated enclave.
A Hamas official described the postponement as “necessary to reach a unified Palestinian position that protects the interests of our people and ensures the implementation of previous understandings.” The group has accused Israel of attempting to impose conditions that fall short of a comprehensive agreement.
Ongoing areas of disagreement:
Talks in Cairo have been ongoing for weeks under Egyptian and Qatari mediation, with indirect involvement from the United States. Key disagreements include the duration of any new truce, the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and guarantees that Israel will not resume military operations once a deal is reached.
Hamas has repeatedly insisted on a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has pushed for arrangements that would allow it to maintain security control in parts of Gaza and retain the ability to resume operations against what it calls remaining militant infrastructure.
The postponement comes amid growing frustration in Gaza, where residents continue to face acute shortages of food, medicine and shelter nearly two years into the devastating war. Humanitarian organisations have warned that any further delay risks worsening the already catastrophic conditions in the territory.
Ceasefire Talks Delayed Amid Growing Regional Concerns:
Egyptian officials expressed hope that the short delay would help bridge remaining gaps. Cairo has been hosting multiple rounds of talks and has urged both sides to show flexibility to prevent a return to full-scale fighting.
The United Nations and several Arab states have called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, stressing the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian aid and the beginning of large-scale reconstruction.
As talks are pushed back to Sunday, families of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails continue to wait anxiously. Analysts warn that repeated delays risk eroding trust in the mediation process and could lead to renewed escalation if a breakthrough is not achieved soon.