Discussions on Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Commence in Cairo
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Synopsis
Israeli and Qatari delegations have arrived in Cairo, Egypt, for talks on a Gaza ceasefire, with US representatives involved. Intensive discussions are underway to enhance humanitarian aid delivery and ensure the implementation of prior agreements while addressing the next phases of the ongoing truce.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli and Qatari officials are in Cairo for ceasefire talks.
- Discussions include humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
- The ceasefire agreement's first phase is nearing expiration.
- Hostage negotiations are a critical focus of the talks.
- Public pressure in Israel is mounting regarding hostage release.
Cairo, Feb 28 (NationPress) Delegations from Israel and Qatar have arrived in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, to engage in negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, with the involvement of representatives from the United States, as reported by Egypt's State Information Service (SIS).
The SIS announced on Thursday that discussions have commenced, focusing on the next steps in the ongoing Gaza truce negotiations, while also exploring methods to guarantee the execution of previously established agreements, according to Xinhua news agency.
Additionally, the negotiators deliberated on strategies to improve the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, aiming to alleviate the hardships faced by its residents and bolster stability within the region.
Earlier today, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that a delegation had been dispatched to Cairo to further the ceasefire discussions, although no additional details were provided.
This announcement follows the recent completion of the final exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners as part of the initial phase of the truce, which occurred overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The initial 42-day phase of the three-stage agreement is set to conclude on Saturday.
When queried about the possibility of discussing the transition to a second phase during their visit to Cairo, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated, "Our delegation will go to Cairo and assess whether there is common ground for negotiation."
He further remarked, "We have indicated our readiness to expand the framework in exchange for the release of additional hostages." Israeli media indicated that the Minister was alluding to the framework of the first phase.
On the same day, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen informed local media that there are still 59 hostages in Gaza, emphasizing that securing their release remains a top priority.
Hamas asserted on Thursday that it is prepared to initiate discussions regarding the second phase, stating that the only pathway to freeing the remaining hostages in Gaza is through adherence to the ceasefire.
The current Gaza ceasefire agreement, which commenced on January 19, was facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, with backing from the US.
The warring factions have not clarified the course of action that will follow if the first phase of the ceasefire expires on Saturday without a new agreement.
Egypt and Qatar continue to mediate between Israel and Hamas, with American support.
The initial phase of the ceasefire involved the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli facilities. The fighting ceased, and Israeli troops withdrew from several positions within Gaza.
Negotiations regarding the second phase, aimed at securing the release of the remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, were intended to commence earlier this month.
The Israeli government faces increasing public pressure to adhere to the ceasefire in order to liberate the remaining hostages, while factions within the right-wing government are advocating for a return to military action to achieve their goal of dismantling Hamas.
Israel has reported that three out of the four hostages whose remains were returned overnight had been killed while in captivity, while the fourth was murdered on the day of capture during the Hamas-led assault that sparked the conflict.
The troubling condition of some hostages returned in recent weeks, including individuals who appeared malnourished and others whom Israel claims were killed by their captors, has intensified public outrage, potentially affecting negotiations to extend the ceasefire.
According to Palestinian authorities, over 48,000 Palestinians have perished due to Israeli military operations in Gaza, resulting in significant devastation across the densely populated coastal region and causing multiple displacements of its inhabitants.
Among those released overnight were 445 men and 24 women and minors detained in Gaza, as well as 151 prisoners serving life sentences for grave attacks against Israelis, as per a source from Hamas.
