Hamas Sets Condition for Ceasefire: Complete Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza, Delegation Arrives in Cairo for Talks

Hamas has made Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza a condition for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli prisoners. According to Arab media, a Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo to negotiate these terms in exchange for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives.

Earlier, in an effort to resume ceasefire talks, a security delegation from Egypt met with Hamas leader Osama Hamdan.

In an interview with Lebanese media, Hamdan stated that Hamas’ position remains unchanged, emphasizing that Israeli hostages will only be returned if Israel ends its aggression and fully withdraws its forces from Gaza.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet with the Lebanese Prime Minister today to discuss the ongoing conflict.

Prior to this, in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and Secretary of State Blinken had expressed hope that, through the efforts of mediators, talks between Hamas and Israel would resume after a long hiatus.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has confirmed sending a delegation for talks, which will be led by Mossad Chief David Barnea. The Israeli delegation is also expected to meet CIA Director William Burns and the Qatari Prime Minister in Doha.

The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that over 42,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 100,000 injured in the ongoing conflict, which has now lasted for over a year.