Hamas Official: 'No Big Issues' in Israel-Egypt Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, Response to Be Presented in Cairo Meeting

A senior Hamas official has stated that there are "no significant concerns" in the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Egypt regarding the Gaza conflict. The Hamas delegation is set to visit Cairo on April 29, 2024, to discuss the proposal and present their response amid the 7-month war that has resulted in over 34,000 Palestinian deaths.

The announcement came after Hamas released a video showing two hostages alive, in an apparent bid to increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel's latest proposal includes a willingness to discuss the "restoration of sustainable calm" in Gaza after hostages are released, marking the first time Israeli leaders have suggested they are open to discussing an end to the war.

Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been trying to mediate a new truce deal. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and stressed the need for progress on the ceasefire and hostage release to be sustained and enhanced. The U.S. has urged Israel to refrain from attacking the border city of Rafah, where over 1 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering, due to concerns over potential civilian casualties.

Why this matters: The ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage-release deal amid the 7-month war in Gaza have drawn global attention. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has raised concerns among world leaders and aid groups, who warn of massive civilian casualties if Israel invades the city of Rafah.

Hamas is open to discussing the new proposal positively and is keen to reach an agreement that guarantees a permanent ceasefire, the free return of displaced people, an acceptable prisoner exchange deal, and an end to the Gaza siege. However, some Israeli ministers insist on the Rafah incursion, while others prioritize the hostage deal. "The atmosphere is positive unless there are new Israeli obstacles," the Hamas official said.

Key Takeaways

• Hamas official says "no significant concerns" in Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel.
• Hamas delegation to visit Cairo on April 29, 2024, to discuss ceasefire proposal.
• Israel's latest proposal includes willingness to discuss "sustainable calm" in Gaza.
• Egypt, Qatar, and US mediating new truce deal; US urges Israel to avoid Rafah attack.
• Hamas open to discussing proposal, seeks permanent ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and end of Gaza siege.