Gaza talks in Cairo make 'significant progress', the news comes a day after Israel pulled its troops out of parts of southern Gaza to regroup for future offensives, including in Rafah. 

Summary: 

* According to reports from the Egyptian news outlet Al-Qahera on Monday, talks in Cairo aimed at brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip have made "Significant progress".

* Israel on Sunday pulled its troops out of southern Gaza, including the city of Khan Younis, the military said. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said troops were pulled out "to prepare for future missions, including ... in Rafah". 

* Preliminary hearings open Monday at the UN top court in a case filed by Nicaragua that seeks an end to German military and other aid to Israel, based on claims that Berlin is “facilitating” acts of genocide and breaches of international law.

* Netanyahu said Israel was just “One step away from victory” in Gaza, adding that he would not agree to a ceasefire “without the return of hostages” during a cabinet address on Sunday.

Egyptian outlet Al-Qahera reported Monday that "Significant progress being made on several contentious points of agreement", citing a high-ranking Egyptian source.

Egypt, Qatar and key Israeli ally the United States have mediated previous rounds of negotiations, but a workable agreement to end the six-month war has remained elusive.

Al-Qahera reported that Qatari and Hamas delegations had left Cairo and were expected to return "within two days to finalise the terms of the agreement".

Above left | Hamas's Gaza Strip chief, waves to supporters in Gaza City

sources | Wires