Israel-Hamas cease-fire unlikely before Ramadan as Hamas delegation leaves talks, but says they'll resume

Cairo — Hamas said Thursday that its delegation had left Cairo and that talks on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release would resume next week, making it extremely unlikely that mediators will broker a deal before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. President Biden had voiced hope, and urged both parties to strike a deal to halt the Israel-Hamas war before Ramadan begins, which is expected on Sunday evening.

Egyptian officials said earlier that the negotiations had reached an impasse over Hamas' demand for a phased process culminating in an end to the war. But they did not rule out a deal before Ramadan, which is has emerged as an informal deadline.

Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha said Israel "refuses to commit to and give guarantees regarding the cease-fire, the return of the displaced, and withdrawal from the areas of its incursion." But he said the talks were ongoing and would resume next week. There was no immediate comment from Israel.