A delegation from the Hamas movement's leadership has traveled to Cairo for further discussions on a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli facilities. As reported on the movement's Telegram channel, the delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, is in the Egyptian capital to finalize negotiations related to the ceasefire.
Osama Hamdan, a member of Hamas' politburo, confirmed that the delegation is in Cairo to discuss the situation with proposals for a potential deal. Hamdan stated that Hamas has responded to the draft agreement reached during the January 28 meeting in Paris, which includes a comprehensive ceasefire, protection against civilian aggression, the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, shelter for displaced individuals, guarantees for the enclave's reconstruction, and the completion of hostage exchanges for Palestinian prisoners.
Egypt and Qatar have initiated a new round of dialogue to restore calm in the Gaza Strip and reach an agreement for the exchange of hostages held by radical groups in the Strip for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The Al-Qahira Al-Ikhbariya TV channel reported that Cairo and Doha have called for a new round of talks on February 8 to achieve calm in Gaza and reach an agreement on hostage exchanges. Egypt has urged all parties involved in the Gaza conflict and the settlement process to demonstrate the necessary flexibility to ensure stability in the Palestinian enclave.
Details regarding the exact timing and participants of the potential negotiations in Cairo are yet to be disclosed.
In late January, representatives from the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar convened in Paris to outline the principles of a new agreement between Hamas and Israel, which includes a phased hostage exchange, a ceasefire, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. On February 6, Hamas confirmed its transmission of a response to Qatar and Egypt regarding a framework agreement to release Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The New York Times, citing an anonymous Israeli source, reported that Israel was not prepared to accept the terms proposed by Hamas, as they entail several demands deemed unachievable by the Israeli side.
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Photo: Al Jazeera English/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS