A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday for crucial discussions concerning a potential ceasefire in Gaza, seen as a pivotal step towards ending the fighting for a period of six weeks.
Reports indicate that representatives from the US, Qatar, and Hamas have already convened in Cairo, with all parties striving to reach a truce before the onset of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month scheduled to begin on March 10/11. The US asserted that a ceasefire deal has been proposed, endorsed by Israel, and awaits approval from the militants. However, there has been minimal disclosure from the conflicting sides regarding the progress of negotiations.
Following the arrival of the Hamas delegation, a Palestinian official informed Reuters that a deal has not yet been reached. Conversely, there was no official confirmation from Israel regarding the attendance of its delegation. A senior Hamas official informed AFP that meeting Israel’s demands, which include a military withdrawal from Gaza and increased humanitarian assistance, could lead to an agreement within the next 24-48 hours.
US officials disclosed that Israel has agreed to a six-week ceasefire if Hamas releases hostages deemed vulnerable. This development occurred after American and Jordanian aircraft conducted an airdrop of food supplies into Gaza. The officials emphasized that the ball is in Hamas’s court, asserting that an agreement could be implemented immediately if Hamas consents to the release of specific categories of vulnerable hostages, including women, the sick or injured, and the elderly.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have pledged to continue targeting British vessels in the Gulf of Aden following the sinking of the UK-owned ship Rubymar. Hussein al-Ezzi, deputy foreign minister in the Houthi-led government, stated that Yemen will persist in sinking British ships, warning of further consequences for Britain’s actions. He criticized Britain for its alleged complicity in supporting attacks on civilians in Gaza, labeling it a rogue state.
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