Israel has rebuffed attempts to negotiate an end to the Gaza conflict amid signs that it may be moving towards unilaterally declaring a halt to fighting without an agreement that would involve concessions to Hamas.
The decision to spurn fresh talks in Cairo aimed at forging a ceasefire deal came as the Israeli army indicated that its ground operation in the north of Gaza was winding down. Military and political sources said the goal of “neutralising” cross-border tunnels was on the verge of being achieved.
Although heavy fighting continued around the southern towns of Rafah and Khan Younis, Saturday’s developments suggested Israel may have turned its back on a negotiated settlement to the 26-day conflict.
