Mediation efforts are ongoing to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but no breakthrough is expected until after the Jewish Sabbath.
The Egyptian-brokered talks are aimed at ending the week-long conflict that has killed over 200 Palestinians and 10 Israelis.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire until Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel.
Hamas, meanwhile, has said that it will only stop firing rockets if Israel lifts its blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The talks are being held in Cairo, and are being led by Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
- Israel has said it wants guarantees that Hamas will stop firing rockets before it agrees to a ceasefire.
- Hamas has said it wants Israel to lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip before it stops firing rockets.
- The talks are being held in Cairo, and are being led by Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
The United States has called on both sides to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible.
The United Nations has also called for a ceasefire, and has said that it is deeply concerned by the violence.
The conflict in Gaza has raised fears of a wider regional war.
The United States, the European Union, and the Arab League have all called for a ceasefire.
The United Nations has also called for a ceasefire, and has said that it is deeply concerned by the violence.
The conflict in Gaza has raised fears of a wider regional war.
### Other developments
Kind regards E. Thompson.
