Intensified Efforts in Cairo to Secure Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal
CAIRO — Efforts to secure a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages have ramped up, with talks resuming in Cairo on Saturday.
Hamas stated that its delegation was heading to the negotiations with a “positive spirit” after reviewing the latest truce proposal.
“We are determined to secure an agreement that meets the demands of Palestinians,” the group affirmed.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that accepting the ceasefire should be straightforward for the militant group.
Hamas’s negotiators have returned to Cairo to continue discussions brokered by Egypt and Qatar, aimed at temporarily halting Israel’s offensive in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages.
In a recent statement, Hamas expressed its desire to further develop the proposed agreement, indicating that there are still areas of disagreement between the two sides.
The primary sticking point appears to be the duration of the ceasefire, with Hamas pushing for a commitment to end the conflict while Israel remains cautious as long as Hamas is active in Gaza.
The current wording under discussion involves a 40-day pause in hostilities for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Despite ongoing talks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his intention to launch a military operation in Rafah, even if an agreement is reached. Reports suggest that his stance remains unchanged.
The US, Israel’s key ally, is hesitant to support a new offensive that could result in civilian casualties and has called for a plan to protect displaced Palestinians in advance.
Approximately 1.4 million individuals have sought refuge in Rafah after fleeing conflict in other parts of the Gaza Strip.
Minister Benny Gantz of Israel’s war Cabinet addressed the potential for a ceasefire, stating that an official response to the proposal is pending, and further discussions will be held by the war management Cabinet.
The Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, has also traveled to Cairo to assist in the negotiations, alongside Secretary Blinken, who has been actively involved in the talks.
Despite months of ceasefire negotiations, there has yet to be a breakthrough, with no pause in fighting or release of hostages since November.
While progress may seem imminent, caution is advised as the talks remain complex and a resolution could still be days away.
According to sources, the US has urged Qatar to expel Hamas’s political leadership if the group continues to reject a ceasefire.
The conflict began with attacks by Hamas and other militant groups on Israeli villages and military bases, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages.
During the subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza, thousands of Palestinians have been killed and injured, as reported by the Hamas-run Health Ministry. — BBC
