Hamas Delegation Arrives in Cairo for Ceasefire Phase Two Discussions
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on March 7 to discuss the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire deal and to pursue negotiations for its second phase. Ongoing talks involve Egyptian officials, US and Qatari mediators.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas arrives in Cairo for ceasefire discussions.
- Negotiations involve Egypt, US, and Qatar.
- Ceasefire deal initiated on January 19.
- Second phase talks stalled after March 1.
- Egypt proposed a 53 billion reconstruction plan.
Cairo, March 7 (NationPress) A Hamas delegation touched down in Cairo, Egypt on Friday to engage in discussions regarding the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and to advance talks on its subsequent phase, as indicated by a statement from Egypt's State Information Service.
Intensive negotiations are underway between Egyptian officials and Hamas leaders, alongside mediators from the United States and Qatar, to ensure the continued execution of the ceasefire and initiate the next phase of the agreement, the statement disclosed.
A three-phase ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, commenced on January 19. However, talks for the second phase have hit a snag following the expiration of the initial 42-day phase on March 1.
Egypt is augmenting its diplomatic initiatives to secure a Gaza ceasefire and promote the reconstruction of the region. On Tuesday, Egypt convened an emergency Arab summit and introduced a Gaza non-displacement reconstruction proposal estimated at 53 billion US dollars.
Nonetheless, the proposal is contingent upon establishing a permanent ceasefire in the area to foster financial support and investment for its execution, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump issued what he termed the 'final warning' to Hamas via his Truth Social platform, stating, 'Release all hostages immediately and return the bodies of those you killed, or it will be OVER for you.'
He further declared, 'I am providing Israel with everything it needs to complete the job, and no Hamas members will be safe if you fail to comply.'
Israel has insisted on the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the cessation of Hamas' governance to progress to the next phase of the ceasefire agreement initiated in January.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar recently remarked that if Hamas concedes to these stipulations, 'we can implement the deal tomorrow.'
