Delegation from Hamas Arrives in Cairo for Ceasefire Discussions
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Synopsis
A Hamas team has arrived in Cairo to engage in discussions about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The talks will cover a range of issues including a prisoner exchange, reconstruction efforts, and addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli blockade.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas delegation in Cairo for ceasefire talks.
- Focus on prisoner exchange and reconstruction.
- Urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza discussed.
- Formation of community support committee proposed.
- International guarantees sought to prevent hostilities.
Gaza, April 26 (NationPress) A Hamas delegation touched down in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday to engage in discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In an official statement, Hamas indicated that the delegation has commenced meetings with Egyptian officials to outline the movement's perspective on a comprehensive agreement. This proposal includes a Gaza ceasefire, a prisoner exchange with Israel, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts.
The delegation is also anticipated to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the ongoing Israeli blockade, emphasizing the critical need to facilitate the flow of food and medical supplies, as stated in the announcement.
Moreover, Hamas mentioned that the discussions will cover the establishment of a community support committee to oversee Gaza's civil affairs and other internal issues.
In the meantime, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi stated that negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in both Cairo and Doha are progressing.
Mardawi elaborated that Hamas is willing to show flexibility to forge an agreement that concludes the conflict and guarantees a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, backed by international assurances to avert a recurrence of hostilities.
"We emphasize the necessity of securing international guarantees for concluding the war," Mardawi asserted, underscoring that Hamas will not consent to partial or temporary solutions.
According to reports from the Xinhua news agency, Israel suspended the entry of goods and aid into Gaza on March 2, following the conclusion of the initial six-week phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that began on January 19. Israel justified this action by stating that Hamas rejected its proposal to prolong the first phase. Subsequently, Israeli forces resumed attacks across Gaza on March 18, effectively terminating the phased truce.
Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been ongoing for several weeks, with the aim of resolving the prolonged conflict in Gaza, which reignited in October 2023.
