Delegations from Israel and Qatar are in Cairo to resume negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire agreement, alongside US representatives. Discussions focus on progressing the agreement and improving humanitarian aid delivery. Hamas has affirmed its readiness for negotiations, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the ceasefire for the release of Israeli captives, while warning against any hindrances to the agreement.
Delegations from Israel and Qatar arrived in Cairo on February 27, 2025, to reinitiate ceasefire negotiations regarding Gaza, as confirmed by Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS). These discussions include representatives from the United States and focus on advancing the ceasefire agreement’s subsequent stages and enhancing humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
Hamas has signaled its willingness to partake in negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, asserting that adhering to the agreement is essential for the release of Israeli captives. The organization cautioned that any attempts by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to derail the agreement would exacerbate the plight of captives and their families.
The initial phase of the ceasefire, which brought an end to more than 15 months of conflict that resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian casualties, is slated to expire on March 1. The upcoming phase intends to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities, facilitate the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and secure the release of captives held by Hamas.
To date, Hamas has released 30 living captives taken during the conflict, including civilians and military personnel, as well as the bodies of eight Israeli individuals it claims were slain due to Israeli shelling. Approximately 60 captives remain within Hamas’s custody, with half of them suspected to still be alive.
The arrival of Israeli and Qatari delegations in Cairo marks a significant step in resuming critical negotiations aimed at solidifying a ceasefire in Gaza. With the expiration of the current ceasefire phase approaching, there is an urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis and the status of captives held by Hamas. The commitment to continuing dialogues emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in resolving ongoing tensions.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
