Hamas leader arrives in Cairo for ceasefire talks

CAIRO - 20 December 2023: Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau, has arrived in Cairo for critical discussions with Egyptian officials concerning the ongoing situation in Gaza. Announced by Hamas on Wednesday, this visit is primarily aimed at negotiating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and discussing a potential prisoner exchange with Israel.

Haniyeh's journey to Egypt marks a significant effort towards achieving peace and stability in the region. The talks are centered around vital issues such as establishing a ceasefire in Gaza, exchanging prisoners with Israel, and addressing broader regional concerns. Leading a "high-ranking delegation," Haniyeh is slated to engage in several key meetings, the most prominent being with Egyptian Intelligence Director Abbas Kamel.

The agenda for these discussions is comprehensive and ambitious. It includes initiatives to "stop the aggression and the war," which serves as a precursor to a prisoner swap deal. A primary objective is to end the ongoing siege on the Gaza Strip, ensuring the facilitation of aid delivery and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the sector. Furthermore, the talks aim to address the plight of displaced persons, focusing on their safe return to towns and villages in Gaza and the northern part of the strip.

This visit marks Haniyeh's second to Egypt since the conflict's outbreak on October 7, with his initial visit occurring on November 9. The ongoing dialogue underscores the critical role of Egypt in mediating peace efforts in the region.

In a related development, the Times of Israel reports that Tel Aviv has conveyed to Qatar its readiness for a week-long truce in Gaza. This ceasefire would be in exchange for the release of 40 detainees currently held by Hamas. Israel's conditions also include the release of women prisoners, men over 60, and captives suffering from life-threatening illnesses or requiring urgent medical treatment.

Previously, Egypt and Qatar successfully brokered an 8-day truce in late November. This agreement led to the release of 80 Israelis captured in Gaza in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Originating from an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel from Gaza, the conflict has led to approximately 1,140 deaths, predominantly civilians, with most casualties occurring on the first day of the conflict. Approximately 250 hostages were initially taken to the sector, with 129 still detained in Gaza.

In retaliation to this severe attack, Israel commenced an extensive aerial and ground operation in Gaza, with a declared aim to dismantle Hamas' governing infrastructure in the strip. As per the latest figures released by the Hamas government on Tuesday, the death toll from the ongoing Israeli bombardment has reached 19,667.