Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are "stuck but ongoing," CNN reported on Wednesday, citing three people with knowledge of the matter.
According to CNN's sources, CIA Director Bill Burns' presence at the Doha negotiations last week did not lead to any progress. They explained that Burns submitted a proposal that was accepted by Israel and returned to Hamas for approval, but Israeli authorities were later informed that the militant group rejected the proposal.
Previously, Hamas senior official Basem Naeim told the same media outlet that talks are not only focused on the release of hostages held by Hamas and the liberation of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. "Israel has not agreed to any of (Hamas) requests related to a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of all forces from the Gaza Strip, even in stages, and the return of all displaced people to their homes," Naeim said.
