Egyptian officials: Truce-hostage talks frozen until Israel shows it is serious

CAIRO, Egypt — Gaza hostage-truce talks have been halted after three days of intense negotiations failed to produce a viable outcome, two Egyptian security sources say, blaming Israel for lacking a genuine intent to reach an agreement.

The sources, who speak to Reuters on condition of anonymity, say that the behavior of the Israeli mediators revealed “internal discord.”

According to the sources, the Israeli delegation would give approvals on several conditions under discussion, but then come back with amendments or introduce new conditions that risked sinking the negotiations.

The sources say the mediators viewed the “contradictions, delays in responses, and the introduction of new terms contrary to what was previously agreed” as signs the Israeli side viewed the talks as a formality aimed at influencing public opinion.

The Ynet news site later reported that the Israeli negotiating team has not been updated on such a move.

Additionally, Hamas is awaiting a response from mediators on proposals introduced to Israel, the group’s deputy leader Khalil Al-Hayya tells Al Jazeera TV.