Israel-Gaza war: Ceasefire talks intensify in Cairo

Efforts have intensified to secure a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, with talks resuming in Cairo on Saturday.

Hamas’s negotiators have returned to the Egyptian capital to resume long-running talks – brokered by Egypt and Qatar – that would temporarily pause Israel’s offensive in Gaza in return for freeing hostages.

An estimated 1.4 million people have taken shelter in Rafah after fleeing the fighting in the northern and central areas of the strip.

So far, ceasefire talks have continued for months without a breakthrough

There have been moments in that time where a new agreement has seemed imminent, but a deal has fallen apart before it could be signed.

A source familiar with the talks told the BBC that the negotiations remained complex, and any breakthrough could still take several days.

Ayala Metzger, daughter-in-law of 80-year-old hostage Yoram, said the government must agree to end the war if that is the price for the release of the hostages.