Cease-fire efforts and negotiations for a hostage exchange in the Gaza Strip have intensified following a meeting between Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Egyptian authorities. Haniyeh's departure from Egypt was confirmed by a statement from the Hamas media wing.
The statement issued early Friday did not provide specific details on the effectiveness of the discussions with Egyptian intelligence head Abbas Kamel regarding measures to halt violence, arrange a hostage exchange, or address aid flow to Gaza.
The talks in Cairo took place ahead of a high-level conference scheduled for the weekend in Paris, where international mediators are set to present a new plan.
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been engaged in efforts to find a solution to Israel's military actions in Gaza before the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan, facing an informal ultimatum.
Israel has proposed a phased agreement, suggesting a temporary cease-fire in exchange for the release of some of the approximately 100 captives still held by Hamas since the October 7 onslaught on southern Israel. Israel has issued a threat to continue its attacks until Hamas is defeated.
However, Hamas initially demanded an end to the war before agreeing to release hostages. In response, Israel rejected the proposal, prompting ongoing negotiations for a new arrangement.
During the October 7 attack, Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and abducted 250 captives. Following a week-long cease-fire in November, about half of the hostages were released. Currently, around 100 hostages remain in custody, along with the bodies of 30 individuals who were either killed on October 7 or died in captivity.
The conflict has resulted in over 29,000 Palestinian casualties and the displacement of about 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents. The majority have followed Israeli instructions to evacuate south, leaving approximately 1.5 million people crowded into Rafah, near the Egyptian border.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, European diplomats have heightened their calls for an immediate cease-fire. The situation remains complex, with ongoing negotiations and international efforts aimed at achieving a resolution and alleviating the suffering of the affected population.
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