Exclusive: Gaza talks at risk after Israel refuses to withdraw from Rafah
Sources close to Palestinian negotiators said talks remain deadlocked over at least two of four key issues.
The first is the extent of the proposed Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip during the 60-day truce. The second is the method of aid distribution.
The United States has reportedly proposed postponing discussions on these two points and instead focusing on the names of Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel in exchange for the remaining Israeli captives.
However, Palestinian negotiators believe this approach is a trap.
A woman looks on as Palestinians inspect destroyed tents by Israeli forces at a makeshift displacement camp in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on 11 July 2025 (AFP)

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