
Hamas Delegation Engages in Critical Ceasefire Discussions in Cairo
Last Updated on March 4, 2024 1:19 pm
In a significant development, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for crucial talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The talks, seen as the potential final hurdle towards an agreement, are garnering attention on the international stage.
Washington has indicated that a ceasefire deal is already on the table, awaiting approval from both Israel and Hamas. However, as the Hamas delegation landed, a Palestinian official expressed caution, stating that the deal is not yet finalized. From the Israeli side, there is no official confirmation regarding their delegation’s attendance.
The negotiations involve complex issues, including the release of dozens of hostages held by militants in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. One potential obstacle is Israel’s demand for a comprehensive list of still-alive hostages, a condition that Hamas has reportedly rejected as premature.
Despite these challenges, a US official emphasized that a framework deal is in place and highlighted the straightforward path to achieving a ceasefire. If successful, this agreement would mark the first extended truce in the five-month-long conflict, which witnessed a brief pause in November.
The terms of the potential deal include the freeing of hostages, increased aid to Gaza to address the humanitarian crisis, and a halt to fighting to prevent a planned Israeli assault on Rafah. However, it falls short of meeting Hamas’s main demand for a permanent end to the war.
US President Joe Biden initially suggested that a deal could be reached as soon as Monday, but subsequent statements indicated a more cautious approach. The timing of the agreement is crucial, aiming to coincide with the beginning of the Ramadan Muslim fasting month in a week.
The lead-up to the expected truce has been marked by heightened violence, with the recent deaths of 118 people near a food convoy, sparking allegations of a massacre by Hamas and counterclaims from Israel. Another reported airstrike on aid resulted in at least eight casualties.
The conflict, initiated in October, has taken a severe toll on both sides, causing widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing the majority of the population, and pushing Gazans to the brink of famine. The UN estimates that a quarter of Gazans are on the verge of a manmade famine.
As the talks continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could bring much-needed relief to the beleaguered region.