A growing rift has reportedly emerged between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected proposals involving an Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, raising fresh doubts over ceasefire negotiations and the prospects for a lasting peace. The disagreement highlights deep divisions over the next phase of the Gaza conflict and regional security.

Benjamin Netanyahu Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Gaza, Rejects Hamas Disarmament Proposal

Lebanon is reportedly preparing to form a delegation to engage in potential peace talks with Israel as regional tensions rise amid the ongoing US‑Israel war with Iran. Officials say the move aims to reduce hostilities along the border and explore diplomatic solutions, though Lebanon has stressed that a ceasefire should be in place before negotiations.


Lebanon to Form Delegation for Potential Talks with Israel 

Lebanon's Prime Minister has expressed hopes for a ceasefire with Israel and it may just happen in the days to come. Watch this report to know more.

Lebanon PM Hopes For Ceasefire With Israel

Truce Possible Before US Elections: Mikati

The efforts to end the war in Gaza appear to have gained momentum with Israel saying its spy Chief will attend cease fire talks and Hamas also vowing to stop fighting if a truce is reached. A senior Hamas official reportedly said that a delegation from the groups Doha based leadership discussed truce related ideas. Watch to know more.

Hamas: Israel Must Commit To Ceasefire Withdrawing From Gaza

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas Vows To Stop Fighting In Gaza If Ceasefire Is Reached

Israel-Hamas War: Israel, Hamas Signal Openness To Truce Talks

Thousands of teddy bears have been displayed in Doha to honor the children killed in the Gaza conflict. Take a look at these images of teddy bears dressed in black t-shirts reminder of Gaza's Lost Innocence.

Teddy Bears Honour Gaza's Fallen Children

Antony Blinken is travelling to Egypt, during his visit he will be visiting Egyptian officials to discuss ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza to secure the release of all hostages and to help establish broader regional security. Watch to know more.

Antony Blinken to travel to Egypt today to discuss ceasefire-Hostage deal

The war has destroyed thousand of homes forcing people to live under the sky. As the rainy season appears rainfall will bring misery to the people of Gaza.

Gaza: More than two million people out of their homes

Israeli and Hamas delegations failed to reach an agreement in the Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday (Aug 25). Neither party was willing to agree to several compromises presented by mediators, sources told Reuters.

However, a senior US official described the talks as "constructive" and said they were conducted in a spirit on all sides to reach "a final and implementable agreement."

"The process will continue over the coming days through working groups to further address remaining issues and details," said the anonymous official to Reuters.

The meeting in Cairo was the culmination of months of talks after the Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, on Israel and Israel's&nbsp;military campaign since then.

One of the key points of contention in the ongoing talks, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, includes an Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow 14.5-km-long stretch of land along Gaza's southern border with Egypt.

Mediators put forward several alternatives to the presence of Israeli forces on the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor which cuts across the middle of the Gaza Strip. Still, none were accepted by the parties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534">The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia</a>

Israel also took issue with releasing several Palestinian detainees and demanded that they exit Gaza if released, the sources added.

Teams from Israel, the United States and Egypt have been cooperating to narrow gaps, with Qatar and Egypt walking Hamas through the proposal on Saturday. On Sunday, Israel joined the talks and brought up their issues with the current proposal.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: How realistic are hopes of a ceasefire deal?

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Hamas said Israel had backtracked on a commitment to withdraw troops from the Philadelphi corridor and had added new conditions, including evaluations of displaced Palestinians as they return to the more heavily populated north when the ceasefire begins.

"We will not accept discussions about retractions from what we agreed to on July 2 or new conditions," Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al-Aqsa TV on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli and Hamas delegations failed to reach an agreement in the Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday (Aug 25). Neither party was willing to agree to several compromises presented by mediators, sources told Reuters.

Israeli and Hamas delegations failed to reach an agreement in the Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday (Aug 25). Neither party was willing to agree to several compromises presented by mediators, sources told Reuters. However, a senior US official described the talks as "constructive" and said they were conducted in a spirit on all sides to reach "a final and implementable agreement." "The process will continue over the coming days through working groups to further address remaining issues and details," said the anonymous official to Reuters. The meeting in Cairo was the culmination of months of talks after the Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, on Israel and Israel's military campaign since then. One of the key points of contention in the ongoing talks, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, includes an Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow 14.5-km-long stretch of land along Gaza's southern border with Egypt. Mediators put forward several alternatives to the presence of Israeli forces on the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor which cuts across the middle of the Gaza Strip. Still, none were accepted by the parties. Also read | The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia Israel also took issue with releasing several Palestinian detainees and demanded that they exit Gaza if released, the sources added. Teams from Israel, the United States and Egypt have been cooperating to narrow gaps, with Qatar and Egypt walking Hamas through the proposal on Saturday. On Sunday, Israel joined the talks and brought up their issues with the current proposal. Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: How realistic are hopes of a ceasefire deal? × Hamas said Israel had backtracked on a commitment to withdraw troops from the Philadelphi corridor and had added new conditions, including evaluations of displaced Palestinians as they return to the more heavily populated north when the ceasefire begins. "We will not accept discussions about retractions from what we agreed to on July 2 or new conditions," Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al-Aqsa TV on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

No peace for Gaza as ceasefire talks fail in Cairo over Philadelphi corridor

A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks will take place in Cairo this weekend. And the return of Palestinians to the region's northern part has become a crucial issue in the truce talks, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Saturday (Apr 6) citing officials.

A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks will take place in Cairo this weekend. And the return of Palestinians to the region's northern part has become a crucial issue in the truce talks, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Saturday (Apr 6) citing officials. The report said that an agreement to allow civilians to return to the north could ease the United States' concerns about the expected Israeli offensive in Rafah. Under the most recent proposal, Israel and Hamas, which have been at war since October last year, would agree to a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages held by the Palestinian militant group. As per the report, Arab mediators involved in ceasefire talks said that Israel has been open to permitting returns to the north at a rate of 2,000 people a day, mainly women and children. A maximum of 60,000 Palestinians could return under a proposal deemed acceptable by Israel, the report said. But this would mostly exclude Palestinian men between the ages of 18 and 50. Also read | US approved more bombs to Israel on same day aid workers were killed in Gaza: Report According to Arab officials, the return of the displaced civilians could begin 10 days to two weeks after a six-week ceasefire is implemented. Meanwhile, Israeli and Egyptian officials said that the civilians would have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints to prevent Hamas militants from re-infiltrating the war-torn region's north. Ahead of truce talks, an appeal by Joe Biden On Friday, US President Joe Biden urged Egyptian and Qatari leaders to pressure Hamas to agree to the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of the talks in Cairo. Biden wrote letters to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, urging them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree and abide by a deal. Also watch | People in Gaza forced to survive on 245 calories per day, finds Oxfam × Biden's appeal came a day after he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders discussed ongoing hostage negotiations and the round of talks in Cairo. The US president told Netanyahu to empower his negotiators in Cairo so that a deal can be reached as soon as possible. 16 arrested for pro-Hamas chants at al-Aqsa mosque In the latest news from the conflict, the Israeli Police arrested 16 people for incitement and pro-Hamas chants during the dawn prayers at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque. According to a report by The Times of Israel on Saturday, the police said that one person was arrested for shooting fireworks at police, while the others were held for incitement to violence and terrorism after they began chanting in support of Hamas. Thousands of worshippers gathered at the mosque on Friday night to hold prayers overnight to mark Laylat al-Qadr. The police said that most of the arrested were from East Jerusalem and northern Israel. The police also fired tear gas to disperse worshippers following the prayers. (With inputs from agencies)

In Gaza ceasefire talks, return of Palestinians to region’s north becomes crucial issue

The head of Israeli intelligence is expected to lead ceasefire talks with mediators which resume in Qatar on Sunday (March 16) in direct response to a new proposal from Hamas, a source close to the talks told Reuters on Saturday (March 15).

The talks between Mossad head David Barnea, Qatar’s prime minister and Egyptian officials will focus on remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas including over prisoner releases and humanitarian aid, the source said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-issues-ceasefire-proposal-to-mediators-those-to-be-released-include-israeli-female-recruits-700365" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-issues-ceasefire-proposal-to-mediators-those-to-be-released-include-israeli-female-recruits-700365&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUyIPNqfmEAxW5bWwGHR_1AkUQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AXemKDhtuXhb84myB7Mo_&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-issues-ceasefire-proposal-to-mediators-those-to-be-released-include-israeli-female-recruits-700365" target="_blank">Gaza&nbsp;war: Hamas presents&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;proposal to mediators</a>

Israel had said on Friday (March 14) it would be sending a delegation to Doha, but did not spell out when it would do so or who would take part. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to convene the security cabinet before the talks.

Israeli officials were not immediately available to comment on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.

Barnea was involved in previous significant pushes for a deal. A short-lived truce in November was agreed and came into effect after his participation in talks in Doha. His last meeting with Qatar's prime minister in January led to a proposal for a temporary ceasefire that Hamas ultimately rejected.

Hamas this week presented a new ceasefire proposal to mediators and Israel's ally the United States that includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom for Palestinian prisoners.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-without-ceasefire-what-it-means-for-gaza-and-rest-of-region-top-points-698717" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-without-ceasefire-what-it-means-for-gaza-and-rest-of-region-top-points-698717&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUyIPNqfmEAxW5bWwGHR_1AkUQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2pikuHAdANBl3xuv9SuQZd&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-without-ceasefire-what-it-means-for-gaza-and-rest-of-region-top-points-698717" target="_blank">Ramadan begins without&nbsp;ceasefire: What it means for&nbsp;Gaza</a>

Repeated efforts to agree a ceasefire and exchange hostages for prisoners have fallen apart this year, despite mounting international pressure over the human cost of Israel's ground and air assault in Gaza.

The war began on October&nbsp;7 when Hamas sent fighters into Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's military campaign has killed more than 31,500 Palestinians, about 70% of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

The head of Israeli intelligence is expected to lead ceasefire talks with mediators which resume in Qatar on Sunday (March 16) in direct response to a new proposal from Hamas, a source close to the talks told Reuters on Saturday (March 15).

The head of Israeli intelligence is expected to lead ceasefire talks with mediators which resume in Qatar on Sunday (March 16) in direct response to a new proposal from Hamas, a source close to the talks told Reuters on Saturday (March 15). The talks between Mossad head David Barnea, Qatar’s prime minister and Egyptian officials will focus on remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas including over prisoner releases and humanitarian aid, the source said. Also read: Gaza war: Hamas presents ceasefire proposal to mediators Israel had said on Friday (March 14) it would be sending a delegation to Doha, but did not spell out when it would do so or who would take part. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to convene the security cabinet before the talks. Israeli officials were not immediately available to comment on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Barnea was involved in previous significant pushes for a deal. A short-lived truce in November was agreed and came into effect after his participation in talks in Doha. His last meeting with Qatar's prime minister in January led to a proposal for a temporary ceasefire that Hamas ultimately rejected. Hamas this week presented a new ceasefire proposal to mediators and Israel's ally the United States that includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom for Palestinian prisoners. Also read: Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza Repeated efforts to agree a ceasefire and exchange hostages for prisoners have fallen apart this year, despite mounting international pressure over the human cost of Israel's ground and air assault in Gaza. The war began on October 7 when Hamas sent fighters into Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages according to Israeli tallies. Israel's military campaign has killed more than 31,500 Palestinians, about 70% of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Mossad chief expected to lead Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha on Sunday

Egypt was reportedly in talks with senior Hamas and Israeli officials&nbsp;as well as other mediators, on Sunday (Mar 10) to relaunch talks for a Gaza Strip truce during Ramadan.&nbsp;

Citing sources, the Reuters news agency, reported that Egypt's contacts with Hamas and Israeli intelligence agency Mossad on Sunday were carried out under a mandate from the Egyptian presidency to bring the two sides' divergent positions together.&nbsp;

This development comes even as Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been attempting to reach an agreement for a ceasefire during Ramadan in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages, who were abducted during October 7 strikes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-canada-sweden-to-resume-funding-to-unrwa-but-still-taking-terror-allegations-seriously-698589">Canada, Sweden to resume funding to UNRWA but still taking terror allegations seriously</a>&nbsp;

The most recent round of discussions, which did not include Israel, ended this week in Cairo.

Israel's intelligence agency Mossad said on Saturday that efforts are being made to secure a deal on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. &nbsp;

David Barnea, who is Mossad chief, met on Friday with his US counterpart, CIA Director William Burns, to promote a deal that would see hostages released.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-president-isaac-herzog-attends-opening-of-holocaust-museum-in-amsterdam-amid-pro-palestinian-protests-698653">Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends opening of Holocaust museum in Amsterdam amid pro-Palestine protests</a>&nbsp;

In a statement, which was distributed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Mossad said that US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that Burns remained in the region.&nbsp;

"Contacts and cooperation with the mediators continue all the time to narrow the gaps and reach agreements," Mossad said in the statement.&nbsp;

Israel and Hamas, the militant Islamist group that rules the Palestinian enclave and has been locked in a war with Israeli forces since its deadly October 7 rampage in southern Israel, have traded blame over the apparent deadlock in talks in the run-up to Ramadan, which begins on or around March 10.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US President Biden says 'Israel can't have 30,000 more Palestinians dead'&nbsp;

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<h2>First day of Ramadan this year&nbsp;</h2>

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. The UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon was spotted on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Egypt was reportedly in talks with senior Hamas and Israeli officials as well as other mediators, on Sunday (Mar 10) to relaunch talks for a Gaza Strip truce during Ramadan.

Egypt was reportedly in talks with senior Hamas and Israeli officials as well as other mediators, on Sunday (Mar 10) to relaunch talks for a Gaza Strip truce during Ramadan. Citing sources, the Reuters news agency, reported that Egypt's contacts with Hamas and Israeli intelligence agency Mossad on Sunday were carried out under a mandate from the Egyptian presidency to bring the two sides' divergent positions together. This development comes even as Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been attempting to reach an agreement for a ceasefire during Ramadan in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages, who were abducted during October 7 strikes. Also read: Canada, Sweden to resume funding to UNRWA but still taking terror allegations seriously The most recent round of discussions, which did not include Israel, ended this week in Cairo. Israel's intelligence agency Mossad said on Saturday that efforts are being made to secure a deal on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. David Barnea, who is Mossad chief, met on Friday with his US counterpart, CIA Director William Burns, to promote a deal that would see hostages released. Also read: Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends opening of Holocaust museum in Amsterdam amid pro-Palestine protests In a statement, which was distributed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Mossad said that US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that Burns remained in the region. "Contacts and cooperation with the mediators continue all the time to narrow the gaps and reach agreements," Mossad said in the statement. Israel and Hamas, the militant Islamist group that rules the Palestinian enclave and has been locked in a war with Israeli forces since its deadly October 7 rampage in southern Israel, have traded blame over the apparent deadlock in talks in the run-up to Ramadan, which begins on or around March 10. Watch: US President Biden says 'Israel can't have 30,000 more Palestinians dead' × First day of Ramadan this year The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. The UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon was spotted on Sunday evening. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report

Israel targeted one of the largest residential towers in Rafah on Saturday (March 9), located in the southern Gaza Strip, according to residents.

A 12-floor structure near the border with Egypt, sustained damage in the strike, leading to dozens of families being displaced, fortunately, no casualties were reported. Residents mentioned that they received a 30-minute warning from Israel to evacuate the building at night.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-truce-looking-tough-before-ramadan-as-group-says-no-compromise-698245">Israel-Hamas truce 'looking tough' before Ramadan, group says 'no compromise'</a>

The strike intensifies pressure on the last area of the Gaza enclave not yet invaded by Israel, where over a million displaced Palestinians are seeking shelter. The Israeli military has not immediately responded to requests for comments on the incident.

A resident described the chaotic evacuation, with people running down stairs, some falling and leaving belongings behind. The strike on the Rafah tower has raised concerns among some officials, including a representative from the Fatah party, who fears it may signal an imminent Israeli invasion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prez-biden-caught-on-hot-mic-says-need-to-hold-come-to-jesus-meet-with-bibi-698229">Prez Biden caught on hot mic, says need to hold 'come to Jesus' meet with Netanyahu</a>

The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for five months, resulting in significant casualties, injuries, and widespread displacement. The humanitarian situation in the region has deteriorated, with health authorities reporting thousands trapped under rubble and the UN warning of disease and starvation.

The International Committee of the Red Cross called for an end to hostilities to facilitate meaningful aid distribution, Hamas to release hostages without conditions, and Israel to treat Palestinians in custody humanely.

Negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages appear to have stalled, with a Hamas source suggesting that the group's delegation is unlikely to visit Cairo for talks. The situation remains tense, with conflicting perspectives on the path forward.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prisoner-exchange-negotiations-were-underway-with-kremlin-before-navalnys-death-report-698206">Prisoner exchange negotiations were ‘underway’ with Kremlin before Navalny’s death: Report</a>

Gaza's health ministry said at least 82 people were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip in the last day.

In Khan Younis, medics said at least 23 people were killed in military raids on homes and in Israeli shelling of a housing project in the Hamad area of the city. In the northern Gaza Strip, Israeli fire killed a Palestinian fisherman along the beach, medics said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel targeted one of the largest residential towers in Rafah on Saturday (March 9), located in the southern Gaza Strip, according to residents. A 12-floor structure near the border with Egypt, sustained damage in the strike, leading to dozens of families being displaced, fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Israel targeted one of the largest residential towers in Rafah on Saturday (March 9), located in the southern Gaza Strip, according to residents. A 12-floor structure near the border with Egypt, sustained damage in the strike, leading to dozens of families being displaced, fortunately, no casualties were reported. Residents mentioned that they received a 30-minute warning from Israel to evacuate the building at night. Also read: Israel-Hamas truce 'looking tough' before Ramadan, group says 'no compromise' The strike intensifies pressure on the last area of the Gaza enclave not yet invaded by Israel, where over a million displaced Palestinians are seeking shelter. The Israeli military has not immediately responded to requests for comments on the incident. A resident described the chaotic evacuation, with people running down stairs, some falling and leaving belongings behind. The strike on the Rafah tower has raised concerns among some officials, including a representative from the Fatah party, who fears it may signal an imminent Israeli invasion. Also Read | Prez Biden caught on hot mic, says need to hold 'come to Jesus' meet with Netanyahu The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for five months, resulting in significant casualties, injuries, and widespread displacement. The humanitarian situation in the region has deteriorated, with health authorities reporting thousands trapped under rubble and the UN warning of disease and starvation. The International Committee of the Red Cross called for an end to hostilities to facilitate meaningful aid distribution, Hamas to release hostages without conditions, and Israel to treat Palestinians in custody humanely. Negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages appear to have stalled, with a Hamas source suggesting that the group's delegation is unlikely to visit Cairo for talks. The situation remains tense, with conflicting perspectives on the path forward. Also Read | Prisoner exchange negotiations were ‘underway’ with Kremlin before Navalny’s death: Report Gaza's health ministry said at least 82 people were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip in the last day. In Khan Younis, medics said at least 23 people were killed in military raids on homes and in Israeli shelling of a housing project in the Hamad area of the city. In the northern Gaza Strip, Israeli fire killed a Palestinian fisherman along the beach, medics said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel strikes key residential tower in southern Rafah as ceasefire talks stall

Senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire, the Pentagon said Wednesday, even as US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes.

"A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon.

He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials.

"I should point out they met in secret. This is how they were able to advance the talks," he said, adding that the success of the effort depends in part on the "confidentiality of the process."

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban, saying they could be recognized as a political party if they accepted a ceasefire and recognized the country's 2004 constitution.

The Taliban have not officially responded, but deadly attacks have proliferated since then, particularly in Kabul, which has become the most dangerous place in the country for civilians.

On Wednesday, militants launched a gun and bomb attack on the Interior Ministry in Kabul, killing a policeman in another demonstration of their ability to strike at the heart of the Afghan capital.

The Taliban also claimed responsibility for a predawn attack on a police station in the capital of Logar province, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Kabul.

Six police officers were killed and eight civilians were wounded, provincial police spokesman Shapoor Ahmadzai said.

But Nicholson, who has sought to drive the Taliban to the negotiating table by bringing to bear increased US military pressure, maintained that violence and progress can coexist.

He likened the situation in Afghanistan to that of Colombia where the fighting continued up until the FARC guerrilla group and the government signed a peace accord in 2016.

In a statement Wednesday, the US command in Afghanistan said the strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah resulted in "more than 50 casualties."

After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link.

Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation.

On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala.

Among the dead was the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban

Senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire, the Pentagon said Wednesday, even as US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes. "A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon. He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials. "I should point out they met in secret. This is how they were able to advance the talks," he said, adding that the success of the effort depends in part on the "confidentiality of the process." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban, saying they could be recognized as a political party if they accepted a ceasefire and recognized the country's 2004 constitution. The Taliban have not officially responded, but deadly attacks have proliferated since then, particularly in Kabul, which has become the most dangerous place in the country for civilians. On Wednesday, militants launched a gun and bomb attack on the Interior Ministry in Kabul, killing a policeman in another demonstration of their ability to strike at the heart of the Afghan capital. The Taliban also claimed responsibility for a predawn attack on a police station in the capital of Logar province, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Kabul. Six police officers were killed and eight civilians were wounded, provincial police spokesman Shapoor Ahmadzai said. But Nicholson, who has sought to drive the Taliban to the negotiating table by bringing to bear increased US military pressure, maintained that violence and progress can coexist. He likened the situation in Afghanistan to that of Colombia where the fighting continued up until the FARC guerrilla group and the government signed a peace accord in 2016. In a statement Wednesday, the US command in Afghanistan said the strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah resulted in "more than 50 casualties." After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link. Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation. On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala. Among the dead was the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Taliban, Afghan officials in ceasefire talks: US general

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