Cairo: A senior Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo for renewed ceasefire talks with Egyptian mediators to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These talks take place amid intensified Israeli airstrikes and an increasing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hamas officials reported that Egypt proposed several “new ideas” to achieve a lasting truce and this delegation, led by Chief Negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya will discuss them. Hamas recently rejected an Israeli offer for an interim 45-day ceasefire that it claimed did not provide enough solutions for their conflict with Israel. Reuters +3 for Al Arabiya English News +3
Israeli forces proposed exchanging 10 hostages held by Hamas for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and withdrawing partially before reinstating humanitarian aid; Hamas however insisted on an immediate full Israeli withdrawal, release of all Palestinian detainees, and start of reconstruction efforts as conditions.
Renegotiated negotiations are being conducted under increased international pressure, particularly from the United States which has encouraged both parties to reach an agreement that facilitates hostage releases and allows humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Arab News
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to worsen. Israeli airstrikes have intensified, leading to at least 26 Palestinians being killed recently by these strikes. Furthermore, Israel’s blockade has created severe shortages in essential supplies which has forced UN-backed vaccination campaigns intended for over 600,000 children to be suspended as a result.
As Hamas representatives engage in negotiations with Egyptian officials, international observers remain hopeful that these talks can produce an agreement that can bring lasting peace to Gaza and ease humanitarian suffering.