Conflicts & War

Hamas, Qatar, US negotiators meet in Egypt for Gaza truce talks

Cairo, Mar 3 (EFE) – Delegations from Hamas, Qatar, and the United States met in Cairo on Sunday to continue negotiations for a truce between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian and Egyptian sources.

Palestinian sources confirmed to EFE the arrival of representatives from Qatar and the US, along with a Hamas negotiating team.

However, they clarified that the team is led by the organization’s number two, Jalil al Hayya, rather than by Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh, as suggested previously.

Despite “high-level” Egyptian sources, as cited by the Al Qahera News television channel, assuring the participation of “all parties” in the new round of talks in Cairo, the presence of an Israeli delegation has yet to be confirmed.

“The Cairo meetings aim to find a mutually acceptable formula for Hamas and Israel to achieve a ceasefire, amidst mounting pressure to secure one before Ramadan begins,” a Palestinian source said.

The Al Qahera News network, closely linked to Egyptian intelligence services, reported “remarkable progress” from last week’s talks in Doha, and emphasized Egypt’s collaborative efforts with Qatar and the US to reach a fair agreement before Ramadan, which is set to commence on Mar. 10.

Mediators, particularly Egypt, have intensified pressure on Israel and Hamas to reach a truce, centered on a draft agreement proposing a six-week cessation of hostilities.

Hamas advocates for a temporary truce alongside an agreement for a second-phase cessation of hostilities, which Israel opposes amid a steadfast determination to sustain its ground offensive in Rafah.

The Rafah town, located at the southern end of the Gaza Strip and bordering Egypt, houses over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians.

Since the onset of the war, Israel and Hamas have only reached a one-week ceasefire agreement in late November, facilitating the release of 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 30,200, mostly women and children, since the Israeli military offensive began after Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct 7 killed nearly 1,200 people. EFE

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