DEIR EL-BALAH – Palestinians in Gaza were following the latest effort to stop the war there and release the hostages with a mix of anticipation, cautious optimism and skepticism as Israeli and Hamas officials met Monday for indirect talks in Egypt.

“We’re all praying that they will succeed this time and the war stops,” said Ahmed Hashem, a father of four from Jabaliya refugee camp who was in Gaza City. He said he was following the news on his phone.

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The talks on a U.S.-drafted peace plan to end the war in Gaza were beginning on the eve of the second anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war. Hamas said negotiations would focus on the first stage of a ceasefire, including the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces as well as the release of hostages held by the militants in

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