The leader of Hamas has engaged in discussions with mediators from Qatar and Egypt regarding a potential deal for Gaza. On Wednesday, Hamas announced that its negotiation team, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, held meetings with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel to address current developments in Gaza.
Hamas reiterated its commitment to upholding a ceasefire proposal based on the original US plan and expressed refusal to accept additional stipulations from any party. This stance appeared to be in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on Israeli forces retaining positions along the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border. Notably, the statement did not acknowledge alleged new demands from Hamas for the release of prisoners serving life sentences in exchange for the initial group of hostages, which includes women, children, the infirm, and the elderly.
CIA Director William Burns, serving as the principal US negotiator for Gaza, announced on Saturday that a comprehensive ceasefire plan will be presented within the coming days. The initial proposal, established by US President Joe Biden in June, outlined a three-phase ceasefire agreement to halt the conflict triggered by Hamas's October 7 terrorist attack, contingent upon the liberation of Israeli captives.
Al-Hayya's discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators took place following a meeting between Al-Thani, the relatives of Israeli hostages, National Unity MK Benny Gantz, and World Jewish Congress president Ronald Lauder in Paris. According to Haaretz daily, the Qatari prime minister assured the families of ongoing efforts to secure a hostage deal. Gantz's office issued a statement highlighting the focus on urgent humanitarian concerns related to advancing a hostage agreement and strategies to enhance regional stability. The statement emphasized that negotiation specifics and management were not part of the discussions. Only teams authorized by the state are allowed to conduct this activity.
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