In a strategic move, Israel has opted against dispatching a delegation to Cairo for deliberations on a ceasefire and the liberation of hostages from Gaza, as reported by CNN on Sunday. This decision, conveyed by an unidentified high-ranking Israeli official, stems from Hamas’ failure to address two pivotal Israeli requisites. These include furnishing a comprehensive roster of hostages, distinguishing between the living and the deceased, and confirming the ratio of Palestinian detainees to be released from Israeli penitentiaries in exchange for the hostages.

The Israeli official, choosing anonymity due to the delicate nature of diplomatic dealings, disclosed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in collaboration with Mossad director David Barnea, made this determination after obtaining intelligence that Hamas had not met these conditions. Netanyahu had outlined these terms in a speech last Thursday, underscoring the imperative need for clarity on the hostages’ identities before advancing any accords, according to CNN.