Delegations from Israel and Qatar have arrived in Cairo to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire, supported by US representatives. Hamas has affirmed its commitment to the talks as a means to facilitate the release of Israeli captives. The first phase of the ceasefire is ending soon, necessitating discussions on long-term peace and humanitarian aid delivery.
On February 27, 2025, delegations from Israel and Qatar arrived in Cairo to continue negotiations concerning a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, as announced by Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS). These discussions involve US representatives and have already begun focusing on the next stages of the agreement, with particular emphasis on delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, aiming to alleviate the ongoing suffering of its residents.
Hamas has expressed its willingness to participate in the second phase of the ceasefire negotiations. The Palestinian group indicated that both negotiations and compliance with the ceasefire are essential for the release of Israeli captives currently held in Gaza. They cautioned that any deviation from the agreement by Prime Minister Netanyahu would exacerbate the plight of the captives and their families.
The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement, which ended more than 15 months of conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, is set to conclude on March 1. The objective of the second phase is to implement a permanent cessation of hostilities, facilitate the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and secure the release of captives held by Hamas.
Under the present agreement, Hamas has released 30 hostages taken during the conflict, including Israeli civilians and soldiers, as well as Thai nationals. Additionally, the movement has returned the remains of eight Israeli captives believed to have died from Israeli airstrikes. Approximately 60 individuals remain in Hamas custody, with around half presumed alive.
The recent arrival of Israeli and Qatari delegations in Cairo indicates a renewed effort to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. With the initial phase set to conclude, discussions are critical for establishing a long-term solution and ensuring humanitarian aid delivery. Hamas’s participation and commitment to negotiations signal potential progress on captives’ release, but the situation remains precarious amid warnings of further suffering from any governmental backtracking.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
