Hamas Delegation Engages in Cairo Talks Regarding Gaza Ceasefire
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Gaza, Jan 3 (NationPress) A delegation from Hamas has traveled to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, to discuss the challenges associated with reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as stated by Hamas spokesperson Jihad Taha.
Taha informed Xinhua that the purpose of the delegation's visit to Cairo is part of ongoing negotiations with mediators such as Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye concerning the current situation in Gaza.
The objective of the visit was to address the obstacles and conditions that have been “recently imposed” by Israel, Taha explained, emphasizing that Hamas is receptive to any initiatives that would benefit the Palestinian people and is dedicated to halting “the (Israeli) aggression and killings.”
Taha expressed optimism that a deal could be achieved if Israel rescinds its latest conditions, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Earlier this week, Israeli state-owned Kan TV disclosed that Hamas had suggested a one-week ceasefire without a prisoner exchange, but Israel rejected this offer, insisting that Hamas must supply a list of hostages before any ceasefire could be enacted.
A source from Hamas revealed that the meetings held by the Hamas delegation in Cairo with Egyptian officials led to a proposal to delay certain contentious issues that have been obstructing a ceasefire agreement.
This source, who spoke anonymously, shared with Xinhua that the agreements made with the Egyptian side, including this proposal, will be presented to Israel in a final attempt to secure a deal before January 20.
Earlier that same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a statement that an Israeli delegation would travel to Qatar’s Doha to continue negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Additionally, on Thursday, during a meeting with British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted “Egypt's efforts to reach an agreement for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel have gained traction in recent weeks as both parties seek to end nearly 15 months of conflict in Gaza. However, both sides have accused each other of creating hurdles and reneging on agreements, which has delayed the ceasefire and the release of hostages.
