Hamas delegation departs Cairo after unsuccessful talks No Agreement Reached

A Hamas delegation that recently visited Cairo departed on April 14 after a series of discussions with Egyptian intelligence officials, led by General Hassan Rashad and Qatari mediators. 

The talks were inconclusive, with no agreement reached, though both sides agreed to continue consultations regarding the issues discussed during the meetings, Caliber.Az reports, citing The New Arab.

A senior Hamas official denied reports that the movement was willing to compromise on its weapons of resistance, stressing that these arms belong to the Palestinian people. The official further revealed that numerous proposals had been made recently to meet Israeli conditions concerning resistance weapons and their leaders, but all Palestinian resistance factions, not just Hamas, had rejected these proposals.

An Egyptian source also revealed that the talks included communications with US mediators, with Hamas expressing its willingness to release nine prisoners. However, US officials requested that the number be increased, offering assurances that should Hamas agree to a higher figure, they would push Israel to engage in negotiations towards the second phase of the ceasefire agreement signed on December 17.

The proposed US plan, however, was rejected by the Hamas delegation, which considered it a tactic to delay the second phase of the agreement. The plan failed to clearly outline direct progress into phase two, which involved ending the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Instead, it merely proposed negotiations to transition into phase two.

The US further suggested that if Hamas agreed to release 11 or more prisoners, they would be transferred in two stages, with each stage carrying specific obligations for both sides. After the second stage, talks would begin regarding the transition to phase two of the agreement.

According to the Egyptian source, discussions are still ongoing to find a resolution to the impasse on ending the war, a demand Hamas insists upon, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains firm in his refusal to make such a commitment. However, there is ongoing consideration of a long-term ceasefire proposal as a potential pathway forward.

By Aghakazim Guliyev