Challenges in Ceasefire Negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza
Watan-The American CNN network quoted a high-ranking source within the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas as saying that there are several contentious points hindering negotiations for a ceasefire in the brutal Israeli war against the Gaza Strip.
The source mentioned that a Hamas delegation arrived in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, on Sunday, March 3, 2024, for further discussions, but did not confirm any details regarding the resistance’s positions or demands for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Furthermore, the source emphasized that what is being circulated in the media are “speculations and leaks,” without disclosing who was part of the Cairo delegation. He preferred not to mention his name while discussing closed negotiations according to CNN.
Three Points Regarding Ceasefire in Gaza
The high-ranking Hamas source clarified that there are at least three contentious points before Hamas agrees to an agreement regarding hostages and a temporary ceasefire:
- Permanent ceasefire.
- Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
- Return of displaced persons from south to north of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas delegation’s discussions in Cairo were reiterated, with the latest occurring in the past few hours, following a day after a prominent American official’s statement about Israel accepting a proposal for a ceasefire for a period of 6 weeks.
There has been no public comment from the Israeli side since the media briefing provided by the Biden administration official, while CNN reported a diplomatic source saying that there is progress, but it is very slow.
It was expected that negotiators from the United States, Israel, Egypt, and Hamas would attend. It is unclear whether Qatar will attend the discussions on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
