Media: Egypt, Hamas hold preliminary talks to revive hostage negotiations

Egyptian mediators held an initial round of talks with Hamas in Cairo on August 12 in a bid to restart hostage negotiations that collapsed on July 24, an Arab diplomat said.

Speaking to The Times of Israel, the diplomat shared that the discussions are set to continue on August 13, Caliber.Az cites. 

According to the source, the meeting on August 12 was largely preliminary, without delving into detailed terms. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statements rejecting a partial agreement, the diplomat said mediators are likely to advance a framework similar to earlier proposals — a 60-day truce that could lead to a permanent ceasefire once both sides agree on final conditions.

Mediators hope to secure a comprehensive deal ending the war and releasing all 50 remaining hostages at once, but the diplomat acknowledged this would be difficult to achieve quickly. Israel is demanding that Hamas relinquish control of Gaza and surrender its weapons as part of any settlement.

Earlier in the day, Hamas announced that senior leader and chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya had arrived in Cairo for the talks. Hamas official Taher al-Nono said the group’s meetings with Egyptian officials would focus on ending the war, delivering aid, and “ending the suffering of our people in Gaza.”

"Hamas believes negotiation is the only way to end the war and is open to discuss any ideas that would secure an end to the war," another official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters.

However, the gaps between the sides appear to remain wide on key issues, including the extent of any Israeli military withdrawal and demands for Hamas to disarm.

Al-Hayya’s visit follows remarks he made earlier this month accusing Cairo of contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza — comments that angered Egyptian officials.

By Sabina Mammadli