Hamas Official-No Progress In Ceasefire Talks

Wires reporting comments from senior Hamas figure Osama Hamdan stating that there has been 'no progress' in ceasefire talks. Hamdan claims that this is 'despite Hamas showing flexibility'. The claims of flexibility come a day after Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh made a speech on 3 April stating that "We are committed to our demands: the permanent ceasefire, comprehensive and complete withdrawal of the enemy out of the Gaza Strip, the return of all displaced people to their homes, allowing all aid needed for our people in Gaza, rebuilding the Strip, lifting the blockade and achieving an honourable prisoner exchange deal,"

• Israeli officials have been in Egypt this week to continue talks, but it appears little-to-no progress has been made. Reuters reports that according to an unnamed source with knowledge of the talks the Hamas demands for the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and the full release of prisoners held by Israel - including those serving life sentances - is a significant impediment to progress.
• Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden will hold their latest phone call at around 1130ET (1630BST, 1730CET). This will be the first time the two leaders have spoken since the killing of seven humanitarian aid workers by the IDF on 1, an event that has sparked mass condemnation from Israel's allies but as of yet no notable shift in policy.