Netanyahu to send negotiators to resume Gaza ceasefire talks, Israeli official says

Palestinians with their belongings, which they could take with them, begin to migrate after the Israeli army ordered Palestinians living in eastern areas to leave immediately ahead of a possible new ground attack in Khan Yunis, Gaza, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images)

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli official said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will send negotiators to resume cease-fire talks in Gaza.

Thursday's decision comes a day after Hamas submitted a new response to a U.S.-backed proposal for a gradual ceasefire.

The Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said Netanyahu had decided to authorize a team to continue negotiations. He did not specify when or where the talks would take place.

Previous negotiations have been stalled by Hamas' insistence that Israel accept an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of its troops from Gaza. According to the official, Netanyahu reiterated his position that Israel will not end the war until it achieves its goals of destroying Hamas' military and government capabilities and returning all hostages held in Gaza.

LEFT:
Palestinians with their belongings, which they could take with them, begin to migrate after the Israeli army ordered Palestinians living in eastern areas to leave immediately ahead of a possible new ground attack in Khan Yunis, Gaza, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images)