A Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, is set to arrive in Cairo on Saturday evening for talks related to ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. While Hamas will not directly participate in the negotiations, they will meet with Egyptian intelligence officials to discuss recent developments and receive updates on the talks’ outcomes.The negotiations, involving US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, aim to address key issues such as the Israeli military presence in Gaza, particularly in the Philadelphia Corridor, a 14-kilometer buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt. Hamas remains committed to its core demands, including a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in the north without restrictions, a comprehensive ceasefire, and the reconstruction of Gaza, as well as a prisoner exchange.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, insists on maintaining some military presence in Gaza, particularly in the Philadelphia Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor, which divides Gaza. This stance has become a significant obstacle to reaching an agreement.The US has proposed a plan for a ceasefire in Gaza, which has been accepted by all parties, including the UN Security Council. However, Hamas officials emphasize that they are ready to implement the agreements reached on July 2, based on US President Joe Biden’s announcement and the UN Security Council resolution.A crucial meeting is scheduled for Sunday in Cairo, expected to be attended by CIA Director William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. This meeting is seen as a potential breakthrough in resolving some of the outstanding issues and leading to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Key points
- Hamas delegation arriving in Cairo for talks, but not directly participating in negotiations.
- Key issues include Israeli military presence in Gaza and prisoner exchange.
- Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining military presence in Gaza is a major obstacle.
- Crucial meeting scheduled for Sunday in Cairo with international mediators.
Contradictions👾Some sources state that Hamas will not participate in the negotiations, while others suggest they will be involved in discussions.
👾There are varying reports on the exact composition of the international delegation attending the Sunday meeting in Cairo.
