21 July 2024

Israel-Hamas Truce Talks Said to Face Four Key Sticking Points Story

Dan Williams 

(Bloomberg) -- Negotiations aimed at winding down Israel’s nine-month war on Hamas in Gaza face four key sticking points, including which hostages should be released, according to people with knowledge of the talks.

Other issues include whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sticks to his demands that Hamas be barred from northern Gaza, according to the people, who asked not be identified because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly. Additionally, Netanyahu wants his forces to retain control of a key southern border corridor and that he should not be bound to an indefinite cease-fire.

Israel declared war on Hamas on Oct. 7, when it was attacked by thousands of militants who killed 1,200 people and took some 250 hostage. The group returned 110 captives and Israel released about three times as many Palestinian detainees during a seven-day cease-fire that ended Dec. 1. US President Joe Biden unveiled proposals for another truce May 31, but talks since then have failed to yield results.

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