Israel and Hamas indicate no deal is imminent after Biden signals Gaza cease-fire could be close
Israel and Hamas played down chances of an imminent breakthrough in talks for a cease-fire in Gaza
By TIA GOLDENBERG, WAFAA SHURAFA and SAMY MAGDY
Published - Feb 27, 2024, 11:10 PM ET
Last Updated - Feb 27, 2024, 11:10 PM EST
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas on Tuesday played down chances of an imminent breakthrough in talks for a cease-fire in Gaza, after U.S. President Joe Biden said Israel has agreed to pause its offensive during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan if a deal is reached to release some hostages.
In the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, Israel’s air, sea and ground campaign in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of people, obliterated large swaths of the urban landscape and displaced 80% of the battered enclave’s population.
Israel’s seal on the territory, which allows in only a trickle of food and other aid, has sparked alarm that a famine could be imminent, according to the United Nations.
