Indirect negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire have run into fresh obstacles, according to senior U.S. officials who said Friday that Washington wants Hamas to scale back several of its requests before a deal can move forward. The talks, which involve mediators shuttling between Israel and Hamas, have not yet produced a breakthrough.

The latest setback underscores how fragile the diplomacy remains as the war continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians in Gaza. U.S. officials have not publicly detailed every disputed point, but they described Hamas's positions as a major reason the process has slowed. Israel has also faced pressure from international partners to accept terms that could pause the fighting and expand humanitarian relief.

The stalled talks come as aid access, civilian safety, and the fate of hostages remain central to the negotiations. Any agreement would need to reconcile sharply different demands from the two sides, along with security concerns and the question of how a ceasefire would be monitored and enforced.

With no immediate deal in sight, mediators are expected to keep working to narrow the gaps. For families on both sides of the conflict, the delay means more uncertainty while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen.