Significant Progress in Ceasefire Talks in Cairo, Reports Egyptian Press – Last Minute World News
Egyptian Mediators Report Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Talks
As Israel’s attacks on Gaza persist, the Egyptian press has shed light on the ongoing ceasefire negotiations taking place in Cairo.
According to Egyptian state television, mediators and representatives from Hamas have made significant headway towards securing a ceasefire in Gaza as talks entered their second day in Cairo.
After weeks of diplomatic efforts, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are working together to broker a proposed six-week ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas before the start of Ramadan next week. The proposed agreement also includes the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Al-Qahera News, which is affiliated with Egypt’s intelligence services, reported that “Egypt continues its intensive efforts to achieve a ceasefire before the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin on March 10 or 11.” The news outlet highlighted the progress made during the recent negotiations in Cairo, where Israel was not present.
A senior US official revealed that Israel has largely accepted the terms of the ceasefire proposal, which also includes an increase in aid shipments to Gaza.
Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official quoted in the US-based Wall Street Journal expressed optimism that an agreement on the release of hostages could be reached in the first week of Ramadan. However, concerns were raised by Egyptian and Qatari officials participating in the talks regarding the absence of Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.
Sources indicated that Sinwar has not been in contact with his associates for nearly a week and suggested that any rush to reach an agreement should be avoided. There are fears that Sinwar’s absence could impact the likelihood of reaching a deal, especially with the potential for heightened tensions in the West Bank and among Israeli Arabs during Ramadan.
An Israeli source acknowledged the possibility that Sinwar may choose to escalate tensions during Eid as a means of increasing pressure on Israel. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Sinwar’s whereabouts and intentions, efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza continue as the region braces for the upcoming holy month.
