THE ongoing negotiations in Cairo to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza were witnessing a “significant breakthrough,” two Egyptian security officials told reporters.
The sources said there was a consensus on a long-term ceasefire in the occupied enclave, yet some sticking points remain, including Hamas arms.
The sources said the ongoing talks included Egyptian and Israeli delegations. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar did not report developments on the latest talks.
Earlier, the Egyptian state-owned media outlets reported that Egyptian intelligence Chief General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad was set to meet an Israeli delegation headed by strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer in Cairo on Monday.
Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thanialso confirmed on Sunday that during a recent meeting in Doha, Hamas expressed willingness to return all hostages if Israel ends the war in Gaza. But Israel wants Hamas to release them without offering a clear vision on ending the war, he added.
Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza on 18 March, ending the six-week ceasefire that came into effect in January, saying it would keep up pressure on Hamas until it frees the remaining captives. Up to 24 of them are believed to be still alive.
Speaking at a conference in West Jerusalem last night, Israeli strategic affairs minister heading the negotiations with Ron Dermer said the Israeli government remained committed to dismantling Hamas’ military capability, ending its rule in Gaza, ensuring that the enclave never again poses a threat to Israel and returning the hostages.
The war started after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 soldiers and civilians being taken prisoner in Gaza.
More than 51,300 people, including at least 17,400 children, have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities.
About 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel, according to Israeli authorities.
