A group from Hamas, led by prominent official Khalil al-Hayya, is set to engage in Cairo this Saturday, aiming to understand the recent discussions concerning the Gaza truce that were held in the Egyptian capital, as per the Palestinian group’s declaration. American and Israeli delegations initiated a new series of discussions in Cairo last Thursday, according to two Egyptian security sources, consisting of two-day meetings intending to reconcile disparities related to a peace plan proposal.
Hamas has voiced its commitment to the plan it approved on July 2nd, predicated on US President Joe Biden’s proposal, and its willingness to carry it out, as stated by senior Hamas officer Izzat al-Rishq last Saturday. Furthermore, following the initiation of an accord intended to conclude the Gaza conflict, Hamas assented to a US proposition to inaugurate negotiations on freeing Israeli hostages, consisting of military men and civilians, after 16 days. This was disclosed by a high-ranking Hamas informant to Reuters in July.
The delegation journey to Cairo does not necessary signal Hamas’s participation in the forthcoming round of dialogue, according to Mahmoud Mardawi, another senior Hamas official. Over the past few months, Egypt, together with the US and Qatar, has acted as an intermediary in intermittent negotiations to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
The conflict initiated on October 7th, when Hamas militants intruded into Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 captives, based on Israel’s account. Palestinian health authorities report that Israel’s retaliation has caused the deaths of over 40,000 individuals in Gaza.