- Mediators in talks for a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel
- The main figures are set to reconvene in Cairo
- The death toll in Gaza has reached 40,000
Mediators in talks for a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel made a final push this week to revive stalled negotiations.
The high-stakes discussions concluded on Friday against a backdrop of tension and desperation in the region.
A diplomatic source informed CNN that a breakthrough was not expected, but efforts will continue with technical teams meeting again in the coming days.
The main figures are set to reconvene in Cairo next week.
The talks occurred as the Middle East braced for a potential Iranian attack on Israel.
The death toll in Gaza since October has reached 40,000, highlighting the 10 months of suffering, malnutrition, and despair in the enclave.
The fear of an Iranian attack poses a significant threat to any hopes of a ceasefire, which have appeared tenuous in recent weeks following Israeli strikes on Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
Despite initial concerns about the talks being scrapped, participants, including CIA director Bill Burns, Mossad chief David Barnea, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence head Abbas Kamel, met to discuss a proposed deal.
The plan, presented by US President Joe Biden in May, aims to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
However, unresolved differences have hindered progress.
