Hamas Delegation to Arrive in Egypt for Gaza Truce Talks

A delegation from Hamas is expected to arrive in Egypt on Monday to address Israel’s recent proposal for a long-awaited hostage-release agreement and ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following nearly seven months of conflict.

Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been engaged in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas for several months, amid mounting casualties in Gaza and growing calls for a resolution.

Despite strong pressure to reach a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, and increase humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory, a comprehensive agreement has remained elusive.

Hamas indicated on Sunday that it had no significant objections to the terms of Israel’s latest proposal for a ceasefire.

“A positive atmosphere prevails, unless new obstacles are introduced by Israel,” a senior Hamas official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Humanitarian organizations warn that the conflict has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, with extensive destruction and heightened fears of wider escalation.

Over a million Palestinians have sought refuge in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

In Israel, protesters are demanding government action to secure the release of hostages taken by militants during the unprecedented attack on October 7, which sparked the conflict.

Following a one-week halt to hostilities in November, during which 80 Israeli hostages were exchanged for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been striving to broker a new ceasefire.

Israel estimates that 129 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with 34 believed to be deceased.

Hamas has previously insisted on a permanent ceasefire, a demand that Israel has rejected.

However, according to reports from the Axios news website citing Israeli officials, Israel’s latest proposal includes a willingness to discuss achieving sustainable calm in Gaza following the release of hostages. This marks the first indication from Israeli leaders that they are open to negotiating an end to the conflict.

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