ALBAWABA - On Sunday, Hamas, Fatah, and Egyptian intelligence officials met in Cairo to discuss Gaza ceasefires. The discussions addressed humanitarian issues, border control, and post-conflict governance in the beleaguered zone.
A senior Hamas official said the group met with Egypt's General Intelligence Chief, Major General Hassan Rashad, and other intelligence officials in Cairo on Saturday. Discussions centered on halting hostilities, opening Rafah, and providing Gaza with vital aid.
“Hamas has not received any new proposals for a ceasefire or prisoner exchange, but mediation efforts continue,” the official said, adding that Netanyahu lacks political will to negotiate.
Hamas demanded the departure of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians, rapid humanitarian relief, meaningful prisoner exchange negotiations (in one or two phases), and reconstruction.
“Hamas remains open to ideas that align with these principles and end the aggression,” the spokesman said.
Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are intensifying truce and prisoner swap efforts. However, another senior Hamas leader said Netanyahu still hinders development. Based on the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the official called for international and U.S. pressure on Israel.
Khalil Al-Hayya's Hamas delegation met with Azzam Al-Ahmad's Fatah delegation outside the negotiations. Post-conflict Palestinian coordination and Gaza governance were explored.
Egyptian-sponsored talks centered on creating an independent administrative body to supervise Gaza's humanitarian supplies, border crossings, and reconstruction with all Palestinian factions.
Fatah spokesman Jamal Obeid said the talks were essential for Palestinian unity and post-conflict government.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty acknowledged that Hamas and Fatah delegations were working toward a unified vision for Gaza under Palestinian Authority oversight at an international Gaza relief conference in Cairo.
Prisoner releases, reconstruction, and preserving the ceasefire are among the recommendations.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu met with ministers and negotiators to consider restarting prisoner exchange discussions with Hamas. Sources reported progress, but Hamas demands that Israel end its offensive onslaught in Gaza before any deal.
