Hamas delegation in Cairo for crucial Gaza ceasefire talks

A high-level Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on March 7 to advance efforts aimed at prolonging the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has significantly reduced hostilities between Hamas and Israel.

Two senior Hamas officials confirmed the visit, noting that the delegation’s meetings with Egyptian officials are set to continue on March 8, Caliber.Az reports via Arabian media.

According to one official, the delegation’s discussions with Egyptian mediators will focus on assessing the progress of the current ceasefire agreement and addressing issues related to launching the second phase of the deal. “The delegation will meet with Egyptian officials to discuss the latest developments, assess progress in implementing the ceasefire agreement and address matters related to launching the second phase of the deal,” the official stated.

Hamas’s demands for the second phase of the ceasefire deal include the full implementation of the agreement by Israel, the initiation of negotiations for the next stage, and the opening of border crossings to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. “During its talks with Egyptian mediators, the Hamas delegation will demand that Israel ‘implement the agreement, begin negotiations for the second phase, and open the border crossings to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip,’” the official added.

The group is seeking a “comprehensive agreement that ensures a permanent and complete ceasefire,” according to a second Hamas official. As part of the second phase, Hamas has requested a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, the reconstruction of the territory, and financial support in line with the resolutions from this week’s Arab summit in Cairo.

The first phase of the ceasefire ended last weekend after six weeks of relative calm, which included the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. While Israel has expressed interest in extending the first phase until mid-April, Hamas insists on transitioning to the second phase, which they believe should lead to a permanent end to the conflict.

Of the 251 hostages taken by Palestinian militants during Hamas’ October 2023 attack, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 that the Israeli military has confirmed are dead.

By Vafa Guliyeva