Hamas: Cairo ceasefire talks to be held next week

Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouq on Wednesday told Ma'an that indirect ceasefire negotiations between Palestinians and Israel will restart within the next week.

Abu Marzouq said that while the exact date had not yet been set, "it would definitely be before the 24th of the current month."

The Hamas leader also said that the United Nations will take charge of the reconstruction of Gaza in coordination with Israel and the Palestinian unity government, adding that Hamas would not object to any methods taken by the UN in reconstruction.

Abu Marzouq added that he is waiting a phone call from the head of the Fatah delegation in Cairo, Azzam al-Ahmad, to set a time and place for an awaited meeting between Fatah and Hamas leaders. 

"The movement does not mind meeting in Cairo if it agrees, but if it doesn't, the meeting will be held in Gaza."

Israel and a delegation comprised of representatives from all major Palestinian political parties will meet for the second half of negotiations for a long-term ceasefire in Gaza.

The ceasefire talks come after Israel launched a more than 50-day assault on the tiny coastal enclave over summer, killing more than 2,150 and leaving more than 110,000 homeless.