Hamas and Israel on Brink of Breakthrough: Cairo Negotiations for Gaza Strip Ceasefire Progress in Sight
Hamas representatives are currently in Cairo, Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip where the organization is engaged in a war with Israel. The conflict has been ongoing since October 2023, and despite several discussions to bring an end to the dispute, no consensus has been reached.
According to reports from EFE news agency, there is significant progress in the negotiations between the terrorists and the Israeli government. Pressure to end the conflict is mounting on both sides, with international communities highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Israeli government threatening an offensive in the city of Rafah.
In a statement released on Friday, Hamas expressed a “positive spirit” as they headed to Egypt for negotiations. The organization outlined their demands for a ceasefire, including the complete cessation of aggression, withdrawal of occupation forces, return of displaced individuals, assistance to the people, reconstruction efforts and a serious exchange agreement.
Israeli mediators have proposed a truce to Hamas, suggesting a temporary ceasefire of 40 days in exchange for the release of hostages with possibility of extending it. Hamas has a week to respond to this proposal. One of the contentious points in negotiations is demand for total end to Israeli offensive; some radical members of Israeli government opposing this possibility.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that war will continue until all objectives are achieved which include ending Hamas in Gaza strip and recovering hostages. Hamas expects to respond early next week with Israel pressuring them to adopt agreement and warning an offensive operation if deadline not met
