Hamas Delegation Arrives for Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Cairo
A delegation from Hamas has arrived in Cairo to engage in discussions regarding the ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. There are indications that Israel has tentatively agreed to a phased hostage and truce deal lasting six weeks, set to commence before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
On Sunday, Qatari and US mediators also arrived in Cairo, as reported by the state-linked Al Qahera News. Israeli negotiators participated in talks held in Doha, Qatar on Saturday, and Hamas is expected to provide a response by Sunday or Monday, as time is running out before the unofficial deadline of 10 or 11 March, coinciding with the start of Ramadan.
It is worth noting that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often experiences an increase in violence during the month of fasting, even in relatively calmer years.
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An official from Hamas informed Agence France-Presse that if Israel were to meet their demands, which include a complete military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and increased humanitarian aid, it could potentially lead to an agreement within the next 24-48 hours. However, an unnamed Palestinian official told Reuters that a ceasefire deal is not yet imminent, stating, “We’re not there yet.”
On Saturday, a US official stated that Israel had “more or less accepted” a deal proposed by the mediators.
Finding a solution to the bloodshed in Gaza has proven to be a challenging diplomatic task throughout the nearly five-month-long war, which was triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel. According to Israeli reports, approximately 1,200 people have been killed and 250 others abducted.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 individuals, with more than 85% of the 2.3 million-strong population being displaced from their homes. Additionally, more than half of the strip’s infrastructure has been left in ruins, according to data from Gaza’s health ministry and the UN.
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It is imperative to increase the provision of aid in order to address this dire situation. The local health ministry reported that 15 children have already succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration at Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya. Furthermore, the UN has warned that approximately a quarter of the total population is on the brink of famine.
Hamas has indicated that its negotiating stance may be influenced by the deaths of 115 Palestinians in Gaza. These individuals were killed when Israeli troops opened fire near a crowd of people who were desperately seeking food from an aid convoy.
Israel’s military has stated that a preliminary review found no evidence of their forces striking the convoy. They claim that most Palestinians died due to a crowd crush, although they do acknowledge firing at individuals who were perceived as a threat to soldiers. R Adm Daniel Hagari, the military spokesperson, did not provide specific details regarding the alleged threat but mentioned that an independent and expert body would conduct a more comprehensive examination, with the findings expected to be shared in the near future.
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UN officials who visited al-Shifa hospital the day after the attack witnessed numerous survivors with gunshot wounds. This observation aligns with accounts from doctors treating the injured and witnesses present during the incident.
The severity of the impending famine has prompted the US to initiate airdrops of food into the besieged territory. However, this approach has faced criticism from aid agencies and human rights groups, who argue that it is both costly and ineffective.
The truce that took place in November, resulting in the release of approximately 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails, fell apart after a week. Efforts to reach a second agreement have proven to be challenging.
As Ramadan approaches in just a week, civilians in Gaza, the families of the remaining hostages, and international negotiators are all aware that time is running out to secure a lasting ceasefire.
MORE STORIES: Israel ‘accepts six-week ceasefire deal’ as Hamas response awaited, US officials say
The most recent discussions have focused on a proposal to halt hostilities for six weeks, increase humanitarian aid, and for Hamas to release a specific group of vulnerable hostages: the sick, injured, elderly, and women.
The number and profile of Palestinian prisoners to be set free has been a major point of contention in negotiations since the initial ceasefire collapsed in early December.
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