Negotiations continue in Cairo as war enters its seventh month

The articles discuss various aspects of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began six months ago following Hamas' October 7 attacks that resulted in over 1,100 deaths and left around 250 people taken hostage. The articles report on international efforts to broker a ceasefire, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for a "humanitarian pause," US CIA Director Bill Burns attending talks in Cairo, and Hamas reiterating its demands for a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, return of the displaced, and a serious exchange deal for Palestinian prisoners. The articles also report on the high number of casualties, with at least 33,137 Palestinians killed and 75,815 wounded since the start of Israel's offensive. Israeli and US officials are reported to agree on the need to defeat Hamas, but it remains unclear how long the Israeli military can sustain its operations in Gaza. Israelis have taken to the streets to demand a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The articles also mention criticism from European leaders over the killing of seven aid workers and the high number of civilian casualties.