Hamas Delegation Heads to Cairo for Ceasefire Talks

A senior Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, is en route to Cairo to engage in the latest Gaza ceasefire discussions. Mediated by Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar, the talks highlight ongoing efforts to secure a truce following the Gaza war and address the release of hostages and prisoners.

A senior Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, is scheduled to arrive in Cairo on Saturday. The team will engage in discussions with mediators concerning the latest round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations held in the Egyptian capital.

According to Egyptian security sources, U.S. and Israeli delegations commenced a new series of meetings in Cairo on Thursday, lasting for two days, to address differences regarding a truce proposal. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq confirmed the group's commitment to the agreements made on July 2, based on a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden, and expressed their readiness to implement it.

Hamas had previously accepted a U.S. proposal to enter negotiations on the release of Israeli hostages, including soldiers and men, 16 days after initiating an agreement to bring an end to the Gaza conflict. Another senior official, Mahmoud Mardawi, clarified to Hamas-linked media that the delegation's trip to Cairo does not indicate Hamas' participation in the next round of talks.

Egypt, the United States, and Qatar have played pivotal mediation roles in months of intermittent negotiations aimed at establishing a Gaza ceasefire, as well as securing the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants invaded Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of about 250 hostages, according to Israeli data.

Palestinian health authorities report that over 40,000 fatalities have occurred in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)