NewsCairo Talks Show Promise in Gaza Ceasefire Efforts as Hostage Release Debated

Cairo Talks Show Promise in Gaza Ceasefire Efforts as Hostage Release Debated

Breakthrough in the Gaza Strip? "Progress has been made"
Breakthrough in the Gaza Strip? "Progress has been made"
Images source: © East News | MENAHEM KAHANA

2:38 AM EDT, April 8, 2024

According to the Egyptian TV channel Al-Kahera News, progress has been reported during negotiations held in Cairo to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The news outlet referenced a notable Egyptian source. Delegations from both Hamas and Israel participated in the discussions.

Reuters reported that neither Hamas nor any party involved in the Cairo talks has confirmed Al-Kahera News' claims.

The Egyptian TV channel reported that the delegations from Hamas and Qatar have left Cairo. However, they are expected to return to the Egyptian capital within two days to finalize the ceasefire agreement terms. The Israeli and American delegations are set to depart Cairo within a few hours, with consultations on the ceasefire slated to continue over the next 48 hours.

Hamas reiterated its demands, according to Reuters, which include a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the return of refugees, and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu demands the release of hostages

Six months into the conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire until the hostages held by Hamas are released.
"There will be no ceasefire without the return of the hostages," Netanyahu declared during a cabinet meeting. He also stated that Israel is "one step away from victory," even though the cost is "painful."
Netanyahu emphasized that, despite increasing international pressure, Israel would not succumb to what he described as the "extreme" demands of Hamas. Sunday marked six months since Hamas launched an attack on Israel, igniting the war in the Gaza Strip. This six-month-long conflict is the most intense episode in the over seventy-year-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
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