Hamas Negotiates Potential Truce with Egypt and Qatar
Hamas Holds Talks with Egypt and Qatar
The Hamas delegation has arrived in Egypt for talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, as hope grows for a potential truce deal in Gaza. The delegation, which arrived from Hamas’ political office in Qatar, is seeking to negotiate a follow-up to a brief ceasefire that took place in November. Both Egypt and Qatar have been actively involved in mediating the discussions.
Intensified Talks for a Possible Truce
Hamas negotiators have begun intensified talks in Cairo on a possible truce that would involve the return of some hostages to Israel. The negotiations are being closely watched, with the presence of the CIA director adding to the significance of the discussions. The international community has expressed dismay over the high death toll in Gaza and the dire situation faced by the 2.3 million inhabitants of the region.
Hamas’ National Demands
Taher al-Nono, a Hamas official and advisor to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, has stated that the meetings with Egyptian and Qatari mediators are being approached with “full seriousness and responsibility.” However, he emphasized that any agreement must meet Hamas’ national demands. These demands include the complete and permanent ending of aggression, the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals to their homes without restrictions, a real prisoner swap deal, and the reconstruction of the region, as well as an end to the blockade.
It is important to note that Israel has previously rejected these conditions. An Israeli official has made it clear that their core position remains unchanged, stating that they will “under no circumstances” agree to end the war in a deal to free hostages.
The war between Hamas and Israel began after Hamas launched a cross-border raid on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,200 people and the capture of 252 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The assault by Israeli forces has led to the deaths of over 34,600 Palestinians, with 32 fatalities occurring in the most recent 24-hour period. Additionally, more than 77,000 Palestinians have been wounded, and the bombardment has caused significant devastation in Gaza.
As the talks continue in Cairo, Israeli forces have announced the killing of Aiman Zaarab, who they claim was a leader of Islamic Jihad forces in southern Gaza and had participated in the October 7 attack.
