Gaza ceasefire: Hamas delegation in Cairo
Last Updated on December 2, 2024 5:23 am
Hamas representatives arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday to discuss a possible ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. An official from the Palestinian independence movement told AFP.
The Hamas official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “A Hamas delegation will participate in several meetings in Cairo on Saturday to discuss a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in the Gaza Strip.”
He said the talks would be with Egyptian officials and declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Background to the recent ceasefire
A ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel came into effect three days ago. In such a situation, calls for a ceasefire in Gaza are becoming stronger, especially in the context of the Israeli military offensive.
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize the release of prisoners. He suggested a temporary ceasefire to bring back the prisoners.
Gantz said, “We need to bring back the prisoners from Gaza and not allow any more settlers to enter there. We should focus on security and the release of prisoners.”
Trump’s position
Meanwhile, newly elected US President Donald Trump has also expressed his strong position for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza. According to Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump wants the agreement to be completed before he takes office on January 20.
Graham said, Trump is determined to ensure the release of Israeli prisoners and an end to the war in Gaza. He wants it to be effective now.
Experts say that international diplomatic efforts regarding the ongoing aggression in Gaza and the prisoner exchange are now taking a new direction. The outcome of the Egyptian talks could be very important for the future situation in the region.
Source: Al-Mayadeen