Egyptian officials say three days of negotiations with Hamas over a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages have failed to achieve a breakthrough. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent weeks trying to broker an agreement in which Hamas would release up to 40 hostages in return for a six-week cease-fire, the release of some Palestinian prisoners and an influx of aid to address the humanitarian catastrophe. Two Egyptian officials said Tuesday that Hamas has presented a proposal that mediators would discuss with Israel in the coming days. One official said mediators would meet Wednesday with the Hamas delegation.
