Egypt and Qatar are sponsoring a new round of negotiations that are set to start on Thursday in Cairo. The negotiations aim to achieve “calm” in Gaza and to work out a prisoner-hostage exchange. An Egyptian official revealed that Hamas has agreed to participate in the talks, with the goal of reaching a ceasefire and an end to the war, in addition to a prisoner exchange deal.
Both sources spoke to AFP under the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media. The Egyptian official urged “both parties to show the necessary flexibility” to achieve a truce in Hamas-run Gaza, where nearly 28,000 people have been killed in four months of war.
The official stated that Egypt is making intense and persistent efforts to reach a truce agreement in the Gaza Strip. Last week, a Hamas source said that the proposed new truce calls for a six-week pause to fighting and a hostage-prisoner exchange, as well as more aid for Gaza. Negotiations have continued since.
On Tuesday, Egypt and Qatar announced that Hamas had responded positively to a new proposal. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said “the reply includes some comments, but in general, it is positive.” For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, visit our dedicated page.
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