A delegation from the Hamas movement arrived in Cairo on Thursday to continue discussions aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and advancing a proposed agreement on a prisoner exchange, sponsored by Egypt and Qatar.
Hamas stated in a press release, “This Thursday morning, a delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, Deputy Head of Hamas in Gaza, arrived in Cairo to continue discussions regarding a ceasefire.”
On Wednesday, Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ demands for a ceasefire as part of a truce agreement and pledged to expand military operations to include Rafah (south), where over a million Palestinians have been displaced.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared optimistic about the negotiations and the possibility of improving the agreement and securing the release of hostages.
Blinken also discussed the hostage issue on Thursday in a meeting with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid.
Lapid conveyed to Blinken, regarding the efforts of the US Secretary and American officials, “It is good to see the commitment… towards the hostages, resolving the situation, and finding ways to enhance peace, prosperity, and, if possible, tranquility.”