Israel-Hamas talks 'break down' as Kamala Harris calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza in major policy shift

3 March 2024, 20:17 | Updated: 4 March 2024, 07:23

A ceasefire in Gaza could come within next 24 hours as negotiators meet in Egypt to agree deal, Hamas has claimed.
A ceasefire in Gaza could come within next 24 hours as negotiators meet in Egypt to agree deal, Hamas has claimed. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

Talks between Israel and Hamas are said to have stalled amid reports that Israel's demands for the names of the living hostages were denied by Hamas.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

It follows early reports emerging from the US that a ceasefire deal looked to be on the table "within next 24 hours", with an unnamed US official prematurely leaking that the deal had been "more or less accepted".

Negotiators are currently in Egypt to agree a ceasefire deal, Hamas has claimed, however, Israel is said to have not sent a delegation to the country after Hamas refused their request for names.

Hamas is also said to have demanded a declared end to the war as opposed to a ceasefire.

Israel-based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky told LBC's Rachel Johnson tonight that Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded "a list of the names of hostages that are still alive, which Hamas ignored".

The US says the proposed six-week pause would allow for the release of more Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Officials arrived in Cairo for crunch talks on Sunday, with envoys from the US and Qatar also said to be there.

Hamas officials are said to have demanded military withdrawal from Gaza along with stepped-up humanitarian aid.

The US said yesterday that Israel had already agreed to a framework deal, with an increase in aid marked as a priority.

Israel based journalist gives 'Gaza ceasefire' update

The US Vice President says there must be an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza as she urged the Israeli government to do more to increase the flow of aid.

Kamala Harris says a six-week pause would get hostages out and a large amount of supplies into the territory.

"There is no Israeli delegation in Cairo," wrote Ynet, the online version of Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, quoting unidentified Israeli officials.

"Hamas refuses to provide clear answers and therefore there is no reason to dispatch the Israeli delegation."

It comes as US President Joe Biden reportedly told negotiators in the city to "get me a deal", according to US officials.

His comments come made the remarks were made to the emir of Qatar and the president of Egypt, who are assisting with negotiations.

Meanwhile, Israel wants a full list of hostages that are still alive as well as the release of some of those remaining from the October 7 attacks.

Israel is said to have demanded to know the condition of roughly 130 remaining hostages believed to be in Gaza.

Most recent talks suggest only around 40 would be freed in exchange for around 400 Palestinian prisoners.

Read more: US airdrops 30,000 meals into Gaza after more than 100 Palestinians were killed trying to get to aid convoy

Read more: Pro-Palestine protesters gather for day of action across UK after Rishi Sunak warned of extremists taking over marches

A ceasefire in Gaza could come within next 24 hours as negotiators meet in Egypt to agree deal, Hamas has claimed.
A ceasefire in Gaza could come within next 24 hours as negotiators meet in Egypt to agree deal, Hamas has claimed. Picture: Alamy

A security source in Israel told The Telegraph: "This is a very sensitive time as it’s reminiscent of the Gilad Shalit deal in which over 1,000 Palestinians were released in return for one Israeli soldier.

"While the priority is the release of the hostages, many of the 1,000 released before were responsible for what happened on Oct 7 so to see this repeated, would signal disaster for those who remember."

It is understood that there are hopes a deal can be agreed before the start of Ramadan on March 10 - but Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that a deal was premature.

“We demand to know the names of all prisoners who will be part of the potential deal in advance," he said.

“I cannot make a commitment regarding reaching an agreement at this time.”

He said a ceasefire would only be temporary, insisting that Israel "will not cease the war against the Hamas".

A ceasefire in Gaza could come within next 24 hours as negotiators meet in Egypt to agree deal, Hamas has claimed.
A ceasefire in Gaza could come within next 24 hours as negotiators meet in Egypt to agree deal, Hamas has claimed. Picture: Alamy
"There is no Israeli delegation in Cairo," wrote Ynet, the online version of Israel&squot;s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, quoting unidentified Israeli officials.
"There is no Israeli delegation in Cairo," wrote Ynet, the online version of Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, quoting unidentified Israeli officials. Picture: Alamy

It comes after the US airdropped more than 30,000 meals into Gaza following warnings of a worsening humanitarian situation in the war zone.

At least 115 Palestinians were killed and hundreds more wounded in the Thursday attack as they scrambled for aid, the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza said.

Israel said many of the dead were trampled in a chaotic crush for the food aid, and its troops fired warning shots after the crowd moved toward them in a threatening way.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday that the air drops were being planned to deliver emergency humanitarian assistance in a safe way to people on the ground.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

John's loveable character Charlie kicked off a whirlwind romance with Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy (played by Julie Goodyear)

Coronation Street star's sudden death at 72 - as family pay tribute to 'gentleman' actor

LBC News launches new weekday schedule with new presenter line-up

LBC News launches new weekday schedule with new presenter line-up

Heidi Alexander has said that smoking crack cocaine on the Tube is 'unacceptable'

'Smoking crack cocaine on the Tube is unacceptable', Transport Secretary says as shocking images surface

David Beckham & LA Galaxy Visits Shanghai

David Beckham's former bodyguard Craig Ainsworth found dead in Spain following hunt for war veteran

The FTSE tumbled on Monday morning

FTSE drops again on opening after Trump refuses to back down on tariffs, with global markets in turmoil

Exclusive
Google search for UK jobs.

Job postings down nearly a quarter amid fears over Employer National Insurance rise

A construction worker in the new Silvertown Tunnel in east London. The first new road crossing east of London's Tower Bridge in 33 years opens on Monday.

Long-awaited Silvertown Tunnel opens to drivers in London

Exclusive
Starmer To Abolish NHS England In Bid To Reform National Health Service

Patients suffering in the back of ambulance soars under Labour - with 1,000 per week are put in potentially serious harm

National Gallery to let one person sleep overnight in ‘first’ as section reopens

National Gallery to allow individual sleepovers marking historic ‘first’ ahead of 200th anniversary

File photo dated 15/08/14

NHS staff harassed by members of public filming them with phones and threatening to post footage online

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Hosts Mia Mottley, Prime Minister Of Barbados

Starmer to relax rules over electric car sales as government pledges 'bold action' in wake of Trump tariffs

A police cordon in Elm Street, South Moor, Stanley, County Durham

Two arrests made after man in 50s shot dead in broad daylight in County Durham

Craig Revel Horwood

Craig Revel Horwood takes aim at fellow Strictly Come Dancing judges

Molly-Mae shared a sweet family snap of Tommy Fury and daughter Bambi

Is Molly-Mae back with Tommy Fury? Fans go wild over family photo fuelling reunion rumours

b

Mum of murdered teen Brianna Ghey considers mother of daughter's killer 'a friend' in amazing show of compassion

Adam Woodhouse has been jailed for multiple offences including cyber-flashing, arson with intent and stalking

'I will go to prison for murder': Domestic abuser who made woman's life 'hell' jailed - as victims urged to come forward