Israel denies breakthrough in hostage talks, contradicting Egypt

Israel has denied reports in Reuters today (Monday), per which Egyptian sources said that "significant progress" had been made in talks between Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Cairo.

Egyptian sources have often been premature in claiming progress and breakthroughs in negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the release of the hostages, often leading to Israel denying said reports minutes later. The same is true of Qatari negotiators.

Thus far, all Israeli efforts at negotiation have failed, as Hamas has repeatedly stuck to its original demands of a complete end to the war, an IDF withdrawal, and a rebuilding of the Gaza Strip with them remaining in charge. As such, Israel is increasingly tightening the screws of military pressure on the Gaza Strip to force Hamas' hand.